During a recent board meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the proposed roundabout project in the village, with several board members expressing strong opposition. One trustee articulated the emotional toll the ongoing discussions have taken on residents, emphasizing the need for the board to reconsider the project due to the lack of community involvement in the planning process.
The trustee highlighted that many local business owners and residents felt excluded from strategic planning discussions, leading to a sense of being \"bamboozled.\" They recounted a conversation with their son, who criticized the roundabout's location, suggesting that traffic issues would be better addressed at a different intersection. This sentiment echoed a broader frustration among board members about the project's perceived lack of necessity, especially given the absence of serious accidents at the intersection in question over the past five years.
Concerns were also raised about pedestrian safety, particularly for children and families navigating the area. The trustee argued that the roundabout could exacerbate traffic issues rather than alleviate them, potentially creating more hazards for pedestrians. They referenced other roundabouts in the region that have seen higher accident rates, questioning the project's justification under the guise of safety improvements.
Ultimately, the trustee declared a firm opposition to the roundabout, urging fellow board members to reconsider the implications of moving forward with the project. The meeting underscored a growing divide between the board's vision for infrastructure improvements and the community's concerns about safety, inclusivity, and the overall necessity of the proposed changes.