Tim Willert
NORTHEAST GLENDALE -- They are designed to slow motorists traveling
through parts of the city's Rossmoyne district.
But some residents think the temporary traffic circles on Stocker and
Mountain Streets are nothing but an inconvenience and an eyesore.
"They force you into the middle of the street and they are extremely
ugly," said Judy Lloyd, who lives in the 800 block of Cavanagh Road. "I
have no idea why the city did this. It would have to be cheaper to put in
a four-way stop sign."
The city erected the barriers nearly two weeks ago in response to
resident concerns about speeding through neighborhoods bounded by
Mountain Street, Glendale Avenue, Monterey Road and Brand Boulevard.
City officials said the barriers, which are referred to as plastic
candlesticks, are experimental.
"If they work to slow down traffic, they may become permanent," Mayor
Gus Gomez said. "If it appears they are a hindrance or not solving the
problem, they will be temporary."
Several residents criticized the circles at Tuesday's City Council
meeting.
"It has not added to the value of the neighborhood," said Jay Wilson,
who lives in the 800 block of East Stocker. "It has added safety
hazards."
Public Works Director Kerry Morford has told resident that if the
temporary traffic circles prove to be ineffective they would most likely
be removed, possibly in the next 30 to 60 days.
If the test-case circles help reduce traffic speeds and no significant
objections are identified, they could be converted to curbed, raised
medians that would be permanent, officials said.
"Yeah, they're unsightly, but they're not permanent," City Manager Jim
Starbird said. "If they seem to achieve their purpose and they are
acceptable to the residents, then they would become permanent."
Phase I of the Rossmoyne-Mountain Traffic Calming Plan was approved by
the council and installed in 1998.
Speed humps were placed on Ethel Street, Glenoaks Boulevard, Mountain
Street and Rossmoyne Avenue.
Traffic diverters went up at the intersections on Monterey Road and
Cordova Avenue, Monterey and Portola Avenue, and Glenoaks Boulevard and
Coronado Drive.
The temporary traffic circles are part of phase II of the
traffic-calming plan, which includes experimental speed humps on Dryden,
Geneva and Jackson streets.
