Residents Hope to Curb Speeding

The College Park City Council voted Tuesday to install a speed hump at 48th Avenue but deferred a vote regarding a speed hump at St. Andrew's Place until Sept. 15, in order to enable residents to discuss the issue more fully.

Residents at the meeting from both locations were strongly in favor of taking action against speeders.

Betty Smith, a resident of St. Andrew's Place, said she is nervous to back out of her driveway, since a slight curve in the road often means that a speeding car will not see her before it is too late.

"It's very difficult for me to back out into the street from my house," she said. "Cars just come flying around the curve. I think if we don't do something to solve this problem … someone is going to be injured." 

Across town, residents of 48th Avenue expressed similar sentiments. Jackie Kelly, the spokesperson for the six families living on the block, said that each family signed a petition in favor of speed humps, after a hit-and-run that occurred in March.

"It's probably not a normal occurrence, but it had everybody upset," Kelly said.

However, studies conducted by the city in both locations indicated that neither technically warranted the installation of speed humps. According to Steven Halpern, the city engineer, at least 15 percent of total traffic volume should exceed 30 mph in order for traffic calming measures to be recommended. At St. Andrew's Place, 10 percent of cars exceeded 30 mph, and at 48th Avenue, only 3 percent.

Councilman Patrick Wojahn (District 1) added that the city engineer's suggestion was merely a recommendation, but that ultimately it was up to the discretion of the council whether or not devices are installed.

In spite of Halpern's recommendation, Kelly supports action being taken.

"Right now, the proof doesn't show that it's necessary. But backing out of my own driveway, people never stop at the four-way stop at 48th and Indian Lane," she said. "They just zip on right by."