(photo: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel)
Council OKs plan to let residents pay for devices
By GREG J. BOROWSKI
[email protected]Posted: Dec. 12, 2006
The Common Council approved a measure Tuesday that would allow "traffic-calming" devices, such as mini-roundabouts, to be placed in speed-plagued neighborhoods - if local residents agree to pay 90% of the bill.
The proposal would not prevent the city from installing the devices where officials decide they are necessary. Rather, it would give residents and local aldermen a way to approach the problem of slowing traffic on their own.
In the past, residents typically asked the city for more stop signs. But city Department of Public Works officials say too many stop signs could create their own problems, with drivers rolling through or ignoring them.
The measure passed 14-1, with Ald. Joe Dudzik objecting.
Ultimately, residents would get a menu of choices. A speed hump would cost about $3,000; a mini-roundabout or traffic circle - a raised concrete curb at the center of an intersection - would cost about $10,000.
If affected homeowners agree, 90% of the cost would be split among residents, with the remaining 10% coming from the city paving fund.
Link: JS Online:.
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