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‘The Speedway’
Fairway Drive in Canfield has become a raceway for speeding motorists
By Elise Franco
Canfield
Some residents fear that Fairway Drive has become a raceway for speeding motorists.
Carolyn Stoneburner’s house sits at the corner of Fairway and Barber drives, and she said it’s not uncommon to see cars flying by on the long stretch of residential road where the speed limit is posted at 25 mph.
“They speed like demons around here,” she said. “It’s always been an issue.”
Stoneburner, who has lived in her township home 25 years, said she and other neighbors who walk or run along the street have almost been hit by cars.
“It’s a problem for those of us who try to walk and those who have dogs,” she said.
“Several times, we’ve had to jump up into yards.”
Don Brothers of Fairway Drive learned the hard way about the dangers of speeding cars after his great dane puppy died in April. The 150 pound dog was struck and killed by a neighbor Brothers said was driving too fast.
“[Czar] ran out in the road after a squirrel. That’s no one’s fault, just the way life is,” Brothers said.
“But in a 25 mile-per-hour zone, where everyone knows there are two big black dogs, [the neighbor] should have done a better job.”
Brothers said he’s heard people call Fairway Drive “the speedway,” and now he understands why.
“Once I started paying attention, I noticed there is a bit of a speed problem,” he said.
“It’s like all things in life: Who’s got a conscience?
“I go down the street slower than I used to because I don’t want to hit a dog or a child or a person.”
Canfield Trustee Marie Cartwright said township trustees have never received any formal complaints to the township hall or during meetings, but she’s glad the board is now aware of potential speed problems.
“What we can do immediately is advise the [Mahoning County] sheriff’s department to take a closer look at Fairway during patrols,” she said.
“Now that we’ve been made aware of it, I will indeed talk with the sheriff’s department and ask if they will take some additional time and patrol that area more thoroughly.”
Another long time resident, John Elias, said though it’s sad that Brothers’ dog was killed, he’s glad it wasn’t a child.
“I feel bad for Mr. Brothers. His dog was a nice dog,” he said.
“I just hope to God it’s not a kid some day.”
Elias suggested the township look into speed bumps to slow cars on Fairway, but Cartwright said it’s not a plausable option.
“The problem with speed bumps is when you’re plowing snow, the blades would be hitting them,” she said.
“I’m not sure if that’s an alternative that would work.”
Elias said whatever the solution, something needs to be done.
“I don’t know if people are just ignorant to the speed limit or in a hurry to get home,” he said.
“But it’s uncalled for.”