Members of the Athens City Council met last night to discuss the future possibilities of placing traffic calming devices in Athens, among other issues.
They discussed the need to ensure safety for pedestrians crossing the street on Richland Avenue near West Green. A recent incident in which Ohio University graduate student Charles Wheeler, 24, was struck by a car while crossing that area of the street on Sept. 21 prompted the discussion.
There are no crosswalks from President Street to Shafer Street, forcing most pedestrians to jaywalk if they need to cross Richland Avenue, said Councilman Paul Wiehl, D-1st ward.
The proposed solution involves the placement of rumble strips and creation of an island in the road, Wiehl.
The island would be painted on the road to create a safe haven
for pedestrians crossing the street to stop and wait for traffic to clear, Wiehl said.
Andrew Stone, director of the Athens Street Department, developed the plan. Stone must work with Athens Police Department and OU officials before the plan can move forward, he said.
Part of the comprehensive plan is to make Athens a pedestrian-friendly city Wiehl said. The committee did not talk about the cost of the plan.
Council members also discussed repairing and replacing damaged sidewalks throughout Athens.
Council President Bill Bias said he has not heard a huge demand from residents for sidewalk repair.
They're very expensive he said.
Several council members disagreed. People in my neighborhood who walk their kids to school would like sidewalks
said Councilwoman Deborah Phillips, D-4th ward.
OU student and Councilwoman Sarah Sexton, D-at-large, said OU students would like more sidewalks for their walks to class.
City Council members also discussed proposed requirements for Athens rental properties.
One requirement might include creating information sheets to be distributed to tenants when they move into new residencies.
The sheets of information could include city codes, recycling guidelines, and rules and regulations for the property. Information could be customized by each neighborhood to include trash pick-up days and specific neighborhood codes.
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Jessica Forrester
