(KNZA)--Two residents appeared before the Hiawatha City Commission this week to voice their opposition to KDOT'S 1st Street "road diet" proposal, which includes removal of the street's traffic signals.
Hiawatha school board member Mitch Brown, reading from a letter composed by USD 415 Superintendent Lonnie Moser on behalf of the school board, outlined why the board feels the commission should refrain from accepting the proposal.
He said the 1st and Oregon Street intersection serves as the main entrance to the high school, and bears the brunt of high school and middle school traffic throughout the school year. Brown said the traffic lights at the intersection have always been there as a means of controlling the chaos.
He said the 1st and Iowa Street intersection serves much of the parent traffic for the middle school and the traffic signals provide a measure of safety for student pedestrian traffic.
Local resident Leah McPeak also voiced her opposition to the proposal. She said many kids utilize the traffic lights at 1st and Iowa to safely cross the street during the school year and in the summer to utilize the Aquatic Park.
McPeak said she has talked to others who share her concerns, and told the Commission she thinks they'll risk the safety of the youth in the community if they proceed with removal of the traffic signals.
Mayor Becky Shamburg acknowledged the concerns of Brown and McPeak.
She said the city plans to hold an informational meeting Monday evening at 6:00 at the Fisher Center regarding the 1st Street corridor and encourages to the public to attend. The meeting will include a presentation by city staff, with a question and answer session to follow.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Cold case investigation leads to Holton warrant
Effingham owner regains truck following theft, arrest
Horton City Clerk's resignation accepted Monday
Former Kickapoo Tribal chairman arrested
Local residents avoid injury in chain reaction crash
Winchester native named as Amberwell CEO
Mayetta pair arrested on meth, child endangerment charges
Holton property search concludes with arrest
Stolen trailer, 4-wheeler, recovered in Atchison
Juveniles face charges following Atchison break-in
Atchison Co's Oswald named honorary bailiff for KS Court
Two arrested following Friday Jackson Co traffic stop
McLouth man injured in Monday wreck
No injuries in early Sunday morning house fire in Falls City
Senator Slama on tax relief efforts
Commission approves agreement for budget help
Pawnee City School Board approves personnel changes
Council hears report from golf course
Richardson County accepted into managed call handling program
LATEST STORIES
KS prepares for severe weekend weather
Richardson County Board approves pay raise for dispatchers
NPPD urges farmers to be safe around power lines
Arbor Day proclaimed in Atchison
Former AG Schmidt running for KS' 2nd Congressional District
Doniphan Co Commission approves overlay projects
Holton property search concludes with arrest
Former Kickapoo Tribal chairman arrested