During a recent city council meeting, discussions centered on traffic concerns related to new housing developments, particularly at the intersection of Nelson and Division. Council members acknowledged the growing traffic issues in the area, with one member noting that the current conditions make it challenging to navigate the intersection, even when traveling with the flow of traffic.

City officials indicated that while they are not yet in a position to assess traffic impacts comprehensively, they are working towards implementing traffic impact fees. These fees would be levied on new developments to fund necessary infrastructure improvements directly linked to increased traffic from new housing.

Innovative solutions were proposed, including the potential installation of a modular roundabout at the intersection of Wheeler and Elle, which could help alleviate congestion. Additionally, plans to connect East Lake to Hill Avenue were discussed as a means to distribute traffic more evenly and reduce the burden on Division and Nelson.

The council also addressed the possibility of modifying bike lanes on Division to create additional vehicle lanes, although this suggestion was deemed outside the current project scope.

As the meeting progressed, the council moved to adopt an ordinance approving the development of 97 lots for single-family duplex townhome units on a 12.09-acre parcel, following the hearings examiner's recommendations. The motion was seconded and is set to advance the housing project despite ongoing traffic concerns.