A newly-formed homeowner’s association in Blacklick Estates is hitting the ground running by tackling excessive speeding on Dunloe Road.
Speaking on behalf of fellow residents attending the Aug. 15 Madison Township trustees’ meeting, Columbus Police Officer Robert Wilson said his group was concerned about motorists traveling too fast on the roadway and perhaps injuring a child walking to and from a local school.
"Because of Dunloe Elementary, stop signs could be installed to break down the traffic," suggested Wilson. "Our subdivision is one of the oldest and largest and we’re asking the township for help in getting a traffic assessment study.
"The area has grown and traffic has grown. We feel a flashing light and stop sign would go a long way. We were told it costs approximately $10,000 for a flashing sign and the county would pay half and take over maintenance of the sign."
Wilson told the trustees people exceed the speed limit at all hours of the day and night and pointed out residents have witnessed a police presence, but also acknowledged officers cannot be in all places at all times. He said he knows, through personal experience in law enforcement, the importance of a flashing light in alerting the public and asked the trustees to give the idea some consideration.
"We have two crosswalks," continued Wilson. "It is our job as pedestrians and motorists to be mindful of them (children) crossing the road. One thing that does stick in a motorist’s mind is getting a ticket of $130."
Diane Clark, a Dunloe Road homeowner for 29 years, said the situation with people speeding along straight stretches in the road has gotten progressively worse over the past five to six years as more houses are built and more people drive down the roadway.
Late one night, Clark said she was sitting on her porch and witnessed two cars racing down the street.
"It was about two in the morning and they came from Chatterton," recalled Clark. "They were flying and passed each other in front of the school. We’re trying to clean up the neighborhood. We’re doing it in baby steps and this is our first step."
Patricia Eldridge said she was unaware how much a group of concerned citizens could accomplish and was pleased to have Madison Township Police Officer Tim Johnson attend the group’s meetings and offer advice.
"We’re going to start with one street and then move around the neighborhood," commented Eldridge.
Other Madison Township news
•Madison Township Fire Inspector John Jones told the board firefighters will again be collecting for the Muscular Dystrophy Association on Aug. 31 in front of the Kroger stores in Groveport and Canal Winchester between 3-6 p.m.
•The trustees also approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the local firefighter’s union for military leave while Lt. Mark Ballenger is deployed on active duty for six to nine months starting in September.
