NEIGHBORHOOD SAFETY COMMITTEE 9-05

Here is an update of what I’ve been working on:

Keep Kids Alive, Drive 25

I am still working on getting signs out to all who are interested. Ironically, I have had a sign stolen from my yard twice! The goal for the signs are to help people remember to keep ALL of our pedestrians safe by looking out for them and driving the speed limit. Please be aware and cautious of blind areas when you are driving. If you would like to purchase a yard sign or window cling for your car, please contact me. The cost is $15 for a sign and $3 for a window cling.

Blockwatch

I have contacted all the people who mentioned interest in the past to become a block watch captain to help facilitate the easy process. We currently have 7 block watch captains in a neighborhood that has the potential for 40 or more. Just think how safe we could keep our neighborhood with more eyes watching and ears listening out there! The police need us to be aware so they can then respond.

Street Safety

I have been communicating with public works about various issues with our streets.

-Hawthorn is due for some patching up where the white circles are painted.

-Bill Dorn has been notified that the abatement on both ends of Middlefield has not seemed to occur. More letters may be sent out. ***NOTE: Keeping the vision triangle clear is the homeowner's responsibility and liability.***

-The speed bumps in Fairhaven Park are designed for low speeds, such as in a parking lot. On a road, speed humps must be built. Fieldston Rd. does not qualify as it is designated as an arterial street used by emergency vehicles.

-Concerning the “blind stop” at Willow and Fieldston going east on Willow, it was suggested that perhaps a white line and the word “STOP” be painted where we should actually stop. Public utilities response was “There is nothing unusual about this intersection. It is very common to have the stop sign set back from the intersection. If drivers stop at the stop sign and creep forward, they should be fine. This movement averaged 93 cars per day when I counted it last year. It does not warrant any pavement markings.”

Speeding

PLEASE, PLEASE PLEASE call Sgt. Richards(traffic officer) with any traffic concerns. Ask him for more patrols and the speed watch wagon. More calls from concerned citizens will make it happen. His number is 676-6677.

For details about any of the above issues or to raise any other, please contact me, Veronica Douglas, safety representative, at veronicad1 AT comcast DOT net