Bazetta neighborhood seeks speedy answer to cars

Police to add patrols on residential streets

BAZETTA -- Saying they are concerned for the children in their neighborhood playing as well as people walking dogs and jogging, residents of the Timber Creek development off Elm Road are asking for extra police presence due to excessive problems with speeding vehicles.

Timber Creek Drive residents Eric Foley and Brandon Bernhard told township trustees Tuesday the number of speeding vehicles in the neighborhoods has risen. The problem includes not only residents who live there, but also people cutting through from McCleary Jacoby Road to get to Elm Road or vice versa -- as well as FedEx and United Parcel Service delivery trucks.

"This is an issue we have been having, and we are asking for help. The speeding in our neighborhood is out of control. It is absolutely insane at times. Signs are posted 25 miles per hour, but very few people are doing that. People are going 40 and 50 miles per hour," Foley said.

He said he and some of his neighbors have put signs that say "Drive Like Your Kids Live Here" in their yards to get residents to slow down.

"We need these signs for a reason. I have a 9-year-old and a 7-year-old. Many of the neighbors have young children. We are all concerned for our children's safety. We have called out some of the neighbors for speeding," Foley said.

He asked police Chief Chris Herlinger if officers can patrol the area to warn or give drivers tickets. He said he would get more cruisers in the neighborhoods and check the situation.

Foley said speeding occurs all day on many of the streets but mostly on Timber Creek Drive, Beaver Trail, Indian Run and Quail Run.

"I am worried when the streets are paved. When the streets get paved, that increases the speed of the cars and trucks by five to 10 miles per hour or more," he said.

Trustee Ted Webb, who lives in the area, said some drivers do not even stop for posted stop signs. He said something must be done to slow down traffic.

Herlinger said he received a phone call from Bernhard about the speeding problem.

Bernhard said concerns are not only for children playing outside, but cyclists, joggers and people walking their dogs.

Bernhard said vehicles sped through the neighborhood during trick or treat, which was a major concern.

"It was Halloween night at 7 o'clock, and there were some cars going at least 50. People are driving way too fast. My fear is for children crossing the road," he said.

Residents said some of the neighbors have begun wearing safety vests to be seen better by motorists. They also asked if speed trailers can be posted.

Webb asked the residents if the Timber Creek Heights area also was having speeding problems. Residents said they are not sure.

In other business, resident Cheryl Tenant, a former trustee, asked of the financial situation of the township and of hearing "the township running in the negative."

Webb said while the township brings in $390,000, $470,000 is being spent, but $500,000 is available in the inheritance tax fund, which provides surplus funds.