Residents of Rowley Drive expressed significant concerns regarding increased traffic and parking issues during a recent government meeting. With the construction of new homes in the area, community members fear that the influx of residents will exacerbate existing problems on the narrow street, which connects 9th East to 7th East.
One resident highlighted the absence of speed bumps or stop signs, noting that the current traffic situation is already problematic. The resident, accompanied by their pet, urged the committee to consider measures such as rezoning or other traffic mitigation strategies to address these concerns.
Another resident echoed these sentiments, stating that the street has become a popular cut-through for drivers, leading to safety issues, particularly for pedestrians. The narrowness of the road, combined with parked vehicles blocking sidewalks, has raised alarms about the potential dangers for children and pets.
In response to the public comments, city officials acknowledged that a traffic study had been conducted prior to the development approval, which included recommendations for mitigating traffic issues. However, they clarified that the current application was limited in scope and that broader traffic concerns would need to be addressed through other city channels, such as community councils or city council representatives.
The meeting concluded with officials reiterating that while they understand the residents' concerns, the development project is already entitled to proceed, and immediate solutions may not be feasible within the current framework. Residents were encouraged to continue voicing their concerns to ensure that future planning considers the impact on their community.