Downers Grove’s Village Council has noted the need for traffic calming throughout the village but has come up with no funding solution yet.
Downers Grove Public Works Director Naneil Newlon said during the Nov. 10 council meeting that after studies showed cut-through traffic and speeding was an issue on Blodgett Avenue, public works implemented temporary speed bumps, which helped reduce speed. Village Council members weighed in on the discussion at the Nov. 17 meeting.
The temporary speed bumps have to be removed before snowfall because the structures will not be able to withstand snowplows.
“There was a strong feeling the bumps were effective,” Newlon said. “We are asking the council to note receipt, and we don’t have the funds to proceed with permanent traffic calming.”
All commissioners but except Bob Barnett voted to approve the note of receipt for the traffic calming project on Blodgett Avenue.
Barnett said accepting this report presses the village for resolution on what will be done in this area. He would like to see the village insist on an overall plan before just doing one street.
Commissioners William Waldack, Bruce Beckman and Marilyn Schnell agreed a more comprehensive look needed to be taken at traffic calming as opposed to taking this on street by street.
“We should review both parking and transportation and how we move traffic through the village,” Waldack said. “I think we need an overall plan and I will take this as presented, accept the motion and address as a larger issue.”
Blodgett Avenue resident John Miller agreed with the commissioners regarding addressing the issue one street at a time.
“Tonight you are just accepting what the traffic commission said,” Miller said. “I hope this doesn’t just say when the money comes available we will put in speed tables.”
Beckman said he shared the view to develop a comprehensive plan and go through the neighborhoods.
“Only through a comprehensive plan to solve it can we have a long term view than by taking it piece-meal at a time,” Beckman said.
