By Gary Ogle
gogle@wbcowqel.com
The Bucyrus Traffic Commission met Friday morning. Although the agenda was a full one, it was without question dominated by the subject of alleys. To the point that when the subject of a third different alley came before the Commission, Mayor Jeff Reser quipped, “I’m getting an alley headache.”
The first alley discussion was actually about two alleys that intersect – one running behind the 600 block of Kaler Avenue and the other running off of Wise Street. Richard Johnson brought the issue before the Commission. As Bucyrus Police Chief David Koepke explained with photographs those alleys were often used as cut-through and the angle of the intersection between the two was such that vehicles often veered onto private property creating tracks and a hazard to people using their backyards.
“This is a dangerous situation,” Johnson said, noting that he and those in his yard have nearly been hit by vehicles several times. The alleys in question are used by a few property owners for access to garages at the rear of their property.
The area in question has long been at the center of a dispute over where the alley was versus what is private property. Johnson maintained several times during the discussion that he owned what is now seen as an alley.
Koepke offered up an idea that would have the city put up “No Outlet” signs to both alleys.
“I think restricting traffic is the best short-term answer with the longest term benefits,” Koepke said.
Council and Commission member Bill O’Rourke suggested vacating the alleys and leaving their maintenance to property owners. While Johnson said he and his neighbors want the alley behind their property closed, it was pointed out there are utility poles along the alley requiring access by the utility company.
Reser opined there were three options: block it off, vacate the alleys, and some type of easement for utility work.
The commission wanted to view the situation first-hand and in person and voted to table the issue for further study with a promise to Johnson they would have a solution by the next meeting.
The next alley up was one behind the 100 block of Mary Street on the north side. A resident there requested the alley be made one-way only.
Again, the issue was tabled for a “look-see” on the part of Commission members.
The final alley was one off of Sherman Street which involved an issue between neighbors. The alley is a dead end and while one neighbor keeps snow plowed in the alley, he also parks business vehicles in the alley and the plowed snow often ends up against the fence of his neighbor.
Reser said he thought the bigger issue for the complaining neighbor was the snow against his fence. The Commission tabled the issue to pursue a solution between the two property owners involved.
The timing of traffic lights on Warren and Rensselaer streets at Sandusky Avenue came up again. Although many related issues were discussed, the immediate course of action will be extending the timing of those lights from eight to 15 seconds.
The Commission also agreed to a 90-day trial for removing stop signs on Southern Avenue at the intersection of Rogers Street. Along with removing the stop signs on Southern Avenue, “Cross traffic does not stop” signs will be placed on Rogers Street at that intersection.
The Commission will look at possible lane adjustments at Marion Road and South Sandusky Avenue in light of the impending construction there.
The Commission will also study right of way and city versus railroad property lines along Galen Street.
Finally Reser told the Commission he had spoken with the local U.S. Postmaster regarding curbside mailboxes. Reser reported that the U.S. Postal Service had no intentions of sending additional letters to Bucyrus residents about having more curbside mailboxes in different portions of the city. However, Reser said the Postmaster did agree that if it was decided to send more letters in the future those letters would include an explanation that residents had an option not to put mailboxes at the curb in the interest of safety.
The next meeting of the Bucyrus Traffic Commission is scheduled for 10 a.m., March 6, in Council Chambers at City Hall.