BOARDMAN Consultant suggests ways to ease Forest Glen traffic

Officials will discuss the findings Tuesday.
By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
BOARDMAN -- Forest Glen residents want something done about traffic in their neighborhood, and a recent survey suggests changes that could make the homeowners a little happier.
Representatives of the Forest Glen Homeowners Association agreed in August to pay a third of the cost for a $9,700 survey of the area, by MS Consultants. The township paid the remaining two-thirds.
Residents said the survey was necessary because of traffic on Overhill Drive, which runs between Market Street and Glenwood Avenue; and traffic on Oak Knoll Drive, which abuts Shields Road. Residents believe drivers use those roads to avoid traffic lights and other delays on main streets. Some say trash is often carelessly thrown from passing cars.
The consultants also made recommendations for Brookwood Road and Hillman Way.
'Low-cost solutions'
The consulting company recommended several "low-cost immediate solutions."
Township Administrator Curt Seditz said it is important for residents to remember that the current survey is just a draft. Trustees will discuss the issue at a regular meeting Tuesday.
The survey suggests ending the northbound Glenwood Avenue right lane closer to Devonshire Drive instead of at Overhill Drive. This, the proposal says, would likely eliminate the high-speed veer onto Overhill Drive that many residents have complained about.
It was also suggested in the survey that multi-way stop signs be installed at Overhill and Oak Knoll Drives, and at Overhill Drive and Hillman Way. Overhill Drive should also be re-marked for 10-foot travel lanes and 7- to 8-foot parking lanes, the survey suggested.
Brookwood Road
In addressing Brookwood Road, the survey suggest lowering the speed limit to "a residential appropriate" speed of 25 mph. It was also recommended that northbound left turns to Brookwood Road from Market Street should be prohibited with signing and pavement markings.
A 90 degree left turn for southbound Hillman Way at Prestwick Drive with a painted island and several other things were also suggested. Residents expressed many written concerns to the consulting company that were also addressed in detail in the survey.
jgoodwin@vindy.com