Neighborhood stop signs discussed

[APRIL 19, 2005]  A petition for stop signs at two corners of Sherman Street intersecting Williamette Avenue and Willard Avenue raised discussion by the Lincoln City Council. Aldermen Glenn Shelton, Dave Armbrust and Kathy Horn reported observing the corners and traffic in the area. All noted that it is a younger neighborhood with lots of kids. It is also seven and eight blocks from the high school.

Horn asked, "Would it hurt to put a stop sign there to protect the children?" She said she would rather not see a teen driver hit a child who ran out into the street.

Alderman Jonie Tibbs said she agreed that the children are at risk.

Alderman Armbrust said that he's been down there five times since last week and observed kids at play but that when he looks at the corners they are wide open for easy visibility. He said he grew up next to a neighborhood grocery store. "You pretty much understood you best not be out there," he said.

Shelton agreed to Armbrust's points and added that he saw drivers using caution.

A police study of the area revealed only three accidents at the corners in the last few years. Traffic averages a low 21 mph.

Most of Lincoln's neighborhood corners have neither stop nor yield signs. The intention of this is to allow through traffic.

If there is an area that becomes a concern to residents, then the council evaluates the circumstances. A police study is always conducted, checking traffic flow, numbers of cars, speed, an analysis of past accidents and other factors.

The request was denied 7-2. Tibbs and Horn were in favor of placing stop signs. Alderman Marty Neitzel was absent.

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