Greetings, we have provided a synopsis of a draft proposal for traffic calming measures to improve the overall safety of the area between Reedy Creek and W. 34th along Semmes & Forest Hill Ave. We are asking for your input before these proposals move forward to the next phase of 30% designs.
 
These improvements are being funded by a federal grant that will expire and effectively evaporate if they are not used. The city has already spent a considerable amount of resources to study, design and test simulations for their recommended safety measures. The 5th district office has been working on this issue for several years and we have had multiple community meetings throughout the process.
 
This is an exciting opportunity to get some much needed funding to help improve the safety of our community. We have provided a ‘quick reference’ below, as well as a more detailed summary, map, and links to help you give the most informed input.
 
You will see questions at the end of this survey as well as an opportunity for comment. Please feel free to let us know if you have any additional  questions.
 
The draft proposal includes the following major changes:
 
1) Moving the stoplight that is currently at Semmes/Forest Hill/Dundee and installing a four-way stoplight with safety crosswalks where the Patrick Henry School of Science & Arts at Semmes and W. 34th Street is located.
 
The intent of this move is to improve safety of school crossings and traffic flow safety. This will also help improve pedestrian safety for those crossing over to the south side of Semmes, who are accessing our neighborhood businesses along that corridor.
 
2) Changing Forest Hill into a one-way going East bound, from the intersection to 34th street. The proposal also includes rearranging and hopefully adding some parking for businesses, adding traffic calming ‘bump-outs,’ and possibly utilizing a city alley for truck deliveries for adjacent businesses.
 
The intent of turning Forest Hill into a one-way for one block is to increase counts to justify the four-way stop at Semmes & 34th as well as narrow the street for improved pedestrian safety.
 
3) Adding a pedestrian crossing with a HAWK Beacon on Forest Hill Avenue in front of Crossroads Coffee Shop between Carson and Bland Street.
 
The intent of this is to further improve pedestrian safety to accommodate for the increased volume of pedestrians commuting on Forest Hill.
 
Thank you for your time and input on this,
 
Stephanie Lynch,
5th District City Council