The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on January 28, 2025, where community safety concerns regarding Clifton Road were a focal point. Residents expressed their frustrations over traffic issues and the potential implementation of speed tables to mitigate speeding and enhance safety.

Helen Rice, a long-time resident and member of the Safer Clifton committee, detailed the unique challenges of Clifton Road, which experiences heavy cut-through traffic during peak hours. She highlighted the committee's efforts over the past two years to engage with local residents and gather support for speed tables, citing endorsements from several medical professionals living on the street. Rice argued that speed tables would be a necessary measure to reduce reckless driving and improve safety, despite some opposition from residents who fear they could delay emergency response times.

Dustin Goosens, another member of Safer Clifton, echoed Rice's sentiments, emphasizing the group's commitment to following the county's processes and seeking community input. He urged the commissioners to allow the collection of signatures to demonstrate community support for the proposed safety measures, suggesting that the opposition's vocal presence has created a misleading perception of controversy.

Conversely, William Helms, a long-time resident, raised concerns about the impact of speed tables on emergency response times. He argued that the delays caused by speed tables could be detrimental in critical situations, urging the commissioners to reconsider the proposal based on practical evaluations from emergency responders rather than solely on the opinions of local physicians.

The meeting underscored the ongoing debate between enhancing road safety and ensuring timely emergency services. As discussions continue, the commissioners face the challenge of balancing community safety with the operational needs of emergency services. The outcome of this dialogue will significantly impact the residents of Clifton Road and their ongoing efforts to improve safety in their neighborhood.