Laurel Drive Resident Again Questions Speed Hump Installation

Laurel Drive resident Mark Rodrick appeared before the Springfield Township Committee Tuesday afternoon at its regular meeting to once again question why speed humps were placed in his neighborhood.

Two weeks ago, Rodrick read letters written by his wife and a neighbor in which both asked why other measures such as speed limit signs or police monitoring for speeding motorists were not considered prior to the installation of the speed tables. 

On Tuesday, Rodrick again asked why something far less invasive and costly such as stop, speed limit or yield signs couldn't have been installed first. The Laurel Drive resident also stated that through data provided by the Town Clerk, he learned that the average speed of motorists on the street is between 23 and 27 miles per hour, which he said is far lower than the average on Tooker Avenue where speed tables were also installed. 

Rodrick said that because of the distance between the humps, motorists are actually increasing their speed as they pass the playground, putting children at greater risk than before they were installed. He then asked the committee when the speed humps will be removed and what was the cost to install the tables versus the price of putting up a stop or speed limit sign. He added that the humps also required adjustments which created an additional expense. 

Mayor David Amlen told Rodrick that according to Springfield Police Chief John Cook, a state ordinance prohibits the use of stop signs as a speed calming measure. He said the installation of the speed tables cost approximately $6,000 to $8,000, while stop or speed limit signs cost $60 each on average not including installation.

Amlen added that after a Laurel Drive resident questioned the height of one of the tables at the previous meeting, it was determined that that hump was out of compliance and adjusted accordingly. 

Committeman David Barnett said that while attending a recent Dayton High School football game, a Laurel Drive resident thanked him and his fellow committee members for putting in the humps. He added that the committee has received other positive feedback regarding the project. 

Amlen reminded Rodrick that because of his initial objections to the tables, the work was stopped temporarily and a survey was sent out to residents. Based on "overwhelming support" the Township moved ahead with the project, Amlen said. 

Of 45 households surveyed, 22 voted in favor of the installation, while 10 opposed it.