"City Council Approves New Stop Sign at Elm and 5th"
City Council Approves New Stop Sign at Elm and 5th
In a unanimous vote during Tuesday night’s regularly scheduled meeting, the city council approved the installation of a new stop sign at the intersection of Elm Street and 5th Avenue. The decision comes after months of discussion, community input, and a formal recommendation from the Department of Public Works following a traffic study conducted earlier this year.
The intersection, located in a quiet residential area, has long been a point of concern for local residents. Several homeowners had submitted complaints over the past year regarding near-miss incidents involving pedestrians and vehicles, particularly during school drop-off and pick-up hours. A petition circulated by the Elm-5th Neighborhood Association in February gathered over 200 signatures and was presented to the city council in March.According to the traffic study conducted in January, the intersection met the minimum criteria for a stop sign based on vehicle volume and sightline limitations. The report noted that visibility of oncoming traffic is significantly reduced due to a curve in the road and the presence of mature trees lining the sidewalks.
Councilmember Denise Ortega, whose district includes the intersection, spoke in favor of the motion, citing both the data and community concern. “The safety of our neighborhoods is always a top priority. Residents have spoken clearly, and the data backs up their concerns,” Ortega said. “Installing a stop sign is a straightforward and cost-effective way to help reduce potential accidents and increase pedestrian safety.”
Some members of the council initially raised concerns about the potential for traffic congestion or increased noise from idling vehicles. However, the Public Works Department estimated that any impact on traffic flow would be minimal, as the intersection currently sees moderate but not excessive vehicle usage.
The Department of Public Works is scheduled to install the sign by the end of next week, weather permitting. Public Works Director Mark Jensen said the installation will also include refreshed road markings and advanced warning signage for approaching drivers. “We’ll make sure that the stop sign is visible and that motorists are given appropriate warning to adjust their driving,” Jensen stated. “We want this to be as smooth a transition as possible.”