During the Commission meeting held on April 15, the Lakesite City Commission addressed concerns regarding speeding traffic and safety within its residential neighborhoods by adopting the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program’s policies and procedures as presented by City Manager Kirsten Ert Acuff.
Officials said, "The Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program is a city initiative aimed at improving safety and livability on local residential streets by addressing speeding and traffic concerns.
The Traffic Calming policies and procedures outline how neighborhood groups can apply for traffic calming measures, such as speed cushions, by petitioning their neighbors and gaining their support.
"The city has previously installed traffic calming devices based on citizen requests; however, some neighbors have either removed these devices themselves or asked the city to take them out shortly after installation. This program aims to establish a path for achieving a consensus among affected property owners before spending taxpayer funds on these installations."
"The City of Lakesite is dedicated to collaborating with its citizens and neighborhoods to develop innovative and effective strategies for enhancing safety and livability,” said Ms. Ert Acuff. “This partnership aims to implement practical and cost-effective solutions concerning vehicular traffic in residential areas. Furthermore, staff will periodically evaluate and recommend new methods for inclusion in the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Procedures as viable alternatives."
The program offers a variety of traffic calming measures that staff will select from, depending on the specific conditions of each project. Community members can find more information about the application process on the City’s website at www.lakesitetn.gov.