SPECIAL SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

A Special Safety Advisory Committee meeting was held on May 21, 1992 at 6:00 p.m. with Chairman Salters presiding. All members of Council served as a Committee of the Whole since committee reappointments had not been made. Members of Council present were Mr. Pitts, Mr. Lambert, Mr. Daisey, Mr. Levitt, Mr. Hare, Mr. Leary and Council President Christiansen. Mayor Knopf was also present.

Closing of E. Loockerman Street

Mr. Salters reviewed recent actions relative to E. Loockerman Street, where the street was closed off to traffic at the western end and the safety concerns of residents were referred to City staff and the DelDOT for review and recommendations. Residents have complained about the pedestrian and vehicular dangers due to the high volume of traffic, speeding, a dangerous curve, the narrow width of the street, and no sidewalks and curbs.

Chief Hutchison reported that the City Police Department has worked with DelDOT officials who considered the following alternatives:

    1.  Placement of speed humps

    2.  One-way street east or one-way street west

    3.  Leave the street closed at the western end

    4.  Remove the barricade and open the street as in the past

    5.  Close only east-bound traffic from the alleyway east to Edgehill Avenue, allowing west-bound to flow straight through

Chief Hutchison stated that this street was not constructed to handle the high volume of traffic currently being experienced. However, there are many other streets in the City that are experiencing the same problem. The following alternatives were offered:

1.Remove the barricades and allow strict enforcement to take place for a three month trial period (to determine if this would address the safety concerns that have been raised).

2.Recommend the closing of E. Loockerman Street east-bound lane only, from the alleyway east on Loockerman Street to Edgehill Avenue, allowing west-bound traffic to flow freely.

It was the recommendation of the Police Department that alternative #1 be selected on a trial basis before taking further action as suggested in alternative #2.

Mr. Lambert stated that he supports the Police Department's recommendations, but urged the public to restrict their use of neighborhood streets for shortcuts. The narrow streets were designed to handle neighborhood traffic and all other traffic should use the main arterial roads. He also suggested that the speed limit be lowered from 25 mph to 15 mph.

Mr. Christiansen suggested that consideration be given to a safety barrier for the portion of the roadway along the dangerous curve. Mr. Hare felt that three months was too long a trial period and suggested that 30 to 45 days be set for a trial period.

Mr. Lambert moved to recommend that, for a three month trial period, the barricade at the western end of E. Loockerman Street be removed with the Police Department utilizing strict enforcement for traffic violations, and if legally possible, the speed limit be set at 15 mph. He stipulated, however, that if it appears that this action was not successful after the three month trial period that the committee move forward with the second alternative presented by Chief Hutchison of making East Loockerman Street one-way only for west-bound traffic. The motion was seconded by Mr. Leary and carried with Mr. Christiansen, Mr. Daisey and Mr. Hare voting no.

Mr. Mario Bagnati of 10 Loockerman Court stated his feeling that it would be impossible to have strict enforcement 24 hours per day. He reminded Council that the accidents are occurring in the middle of the night and not during peak daytime hours.

Mr. Glenn Mahan of 411 Nimitz Road relayed that strict enforcement has worked in other areas and he believes it will work for this street. He requested that the same consideration be given to traffic on Nimitz Road.

Mr. Robert Tudor of 706 E. Division Street agreed with the committee's recommendation, but stated that 15 mph is too slow. He felt that strict enforcement at 25 mph would solve the problem.

Ms. Ruth Tee of 822 Whiteoak Road reminded committee members that the roads are

so narrow that parking is only allowed on one side of the street and she urged caution if one way streets are instituted.

Mr. Ed Cox of 798 E. Loockerman Street reminded Council that although the barricade eliminated through traffic, the street has never been closed or its use denied to anyone. Mr. Cox reviewed many stipulations in the City's Street Regulations, stating that the City could expose itself to liability if no action is taken to ensure the safety of citizens along this street.

Meeting Adjourned at 6:45 P.M.

                                  Respectfully submitted,

                                  Reuben Salters

                                  Chairman

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