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Published Thursday, July 29, 2010 in Local

City wants downtown pedestrian-friendly

By Elizabeth Melville

The Newnan Times-Herald

Newnan Council expressed a desire at Tuesday evening's council meeting to create a more pedestrian-friendly downtown.

Despite being forced to deny a citizen's request to install pedestrian crossing signs around the Court Square because state law prohibits it, the Newnan City Council agreed to make pedestrian safety a priority.

"Let's respect pedestrians," said Councilman Rhodes Shell. "I think we need to enforce the law and publicize that pedestrians have certain rights."

Mayor Keith Brady admitted that he was in favor of adding the pedestrian signage until he read City Engineer Michael Klahr's report indicating that signalized or stop sign-controlled intersections cluttered with additional signage becomes distracting to motorists and therefore more hazardous.

Klahr pointed out that the city already prohibits right turns at a red light as a safety feature for pedestrians, and they keep shrubbery at a minimum to increase sight distance.

"I would like to slow traffic in downtown for pedestrians," said Shell. He suggested installing the pedestrian crossing signs in areas not signalized or stop sign-controlled.

Councilman Ray DuBose suggested the city launch a media campaign on pedestrian safety.

Klahr added that the law doesn't require motorists yield to pedestrians, it requires them to stop.

"That handles the issue for me," said Brady. "I still have issue with the signalization and the way it functions."

Brady said that certain signalized intersections automatically indicate when pedestrians can safely cross the street while others do not unless the indicator button is pressed by the person wishing to cross.

"Not everyone knows that's what you have to do," said Brady. "Numerous times that's happened to me. I don't know how to fix that, but I want it to be a standard -- when it's a red light, you can go."

Klahr agreed to approach the state with the issue in order to seek a solution.

Local merchant Phyllis Graham -- the citizen who made the initial request for more signage -- came back before council Tuesday wondering if crosswalks -- and perhaps pedestrian signs -- could be added outside the immediate Court Square.

The issue will be further studied by council.

In other business:

* Council voted in favor of Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church's request to make a portion of Lovelace Street from Boone Drive to Melson Street one-way. On-street parking will be permitted on the south side of the street, nearest the church.

* Council also followed city staff's recommendation not to restrict on-street parking along Connor Drive during special events.

"We don't see a reason to restrict parking along Connor Drive," said Klahr.

On July 6, Mayor Pro-tem Cynthia Jenkins requested a review of Connor Drive, located near Newnan High School, after area residents expressed concerned about the street's width and traffic following the July 4 celebration at Drake Stadium.

The Newnan Fire Department conducted a clearance test on the street using two SUVs and its largest fire engine and there was still three feet of clearance on both sides of the fire truck, according to Newnan Fire Chief David Whitley.

Council again took no action to restrict use of the roadway.

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