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Politics & Government

Ramona Residents Want Better Traffic Control

Ramona Planning Group hears about traffic problems and flood control issues. Subcommittee chairmen appointed for 2011.

Joelle Mohr says she has seen too many traffic accidents at the intersection along Haverford Road near state Route 78. She wants something done about it and has asked Ramona Community Planning Group for help.

Mohr told the group at Thursday night’s meeting there is a need for “miles per hour signs, horse crossing signs and pedestrian crossing signs.”

“Due to the size of the properties in our area, it’s not considered residential; it’s considered agricultural,” she said.

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Because there is more agricultural property than there are residential homes along Haveford Road, cars can go as fast as 55 miles per hour, she said.

“Residents would like to see the speed limit reduced to 35 but we know this is an impossibility,” she said. “We’re fine with 45. Unless these signs are put there, the law enforcement can’t do their job.”

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Mohr told of several traffic accidents on Haverford Road in which domestic animals have been killed.

“Let’s solve this problem before it becomes a severe problem,” she said.

She also said more lighting is needed near Elm Street and Haverford Road.

Mohr passed around a petition she is circulating and accident photos for the planning group to view. Chairman Jim Piva complemented Mohr on the work she has done to bring the traffic problems to the public’s attention. He encouraged her to continue contacting the proper sources within the county and law enforcement agencies.

Solutions to traffic control problems at the intersection of 10th and H streets also were discussed. Carl Hickman, a licensed traffic engineer on the planning group, referred to a “recent string of accidents” in this vicinity. He feels the county needs to make solutions a higher priority.

“This intersection is a dangerous intersection,” Hickman said. “Accidents are high enough to warrant a traffic signal.”

A four-way stop sign would also help to alleviate the traffic problem, he said.

“Collisions are not stopping,” he said. “They continue to occur, happening at all times of day and night.”

Planner Matt Deskovick said that several years ago when the county installed a traffic light at the intersection of 10th and D streets, it was intended for 10th and H streets but placed at the wrong intersection.

“That light was a mistake,” Deskovick said.

Other business included discussion of plans from several years ago for 12-foot easements on B and D streets. At that time, the county wanted to change the streets to allow for one-way traffic in opposite directions to alleviate traffic on Main Street. The planning group agreed to notify the county that the plans should be abandoned. Deskovick stepped down from voting on the issue because he owns property in that vicinity.

The group also agreed to host a public workshop to identify areas in Ramona that flood during heavy rains. Bob Hailey is heading the project. The planning group will invite county staff to attend a workshop. A date will be set after hearing from staff.

Sandra Tibbs, a resident on Dye Road for 26 years, informed the planning group that her house flooded during the December rains.

“The last two seasons have been impacted by the floods; heavier rains with longer durations,” she said. “I urge you to have this workshop to identify these flooding areas. I need relief.”

In other planning group business, Piva announced that all future meetings will be held at the new library in the conference room, effective March 3. Meetings will continue to be at 7 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month.

Piva also appointed the following planning group members to chair the subcommittees:

South – Bob Hailey

West – Kristi Mansolf

East – Scotty Ensign

Parks and Recreation – Richard Tomlinson

CUDA – Torry Brean

Transportation and Trails – Dennis Sprong

Chris Anderson will continue to be the group’s representative on the Design Review Board. Piva encouraged anyone from the community interested in serving on a subcommittee to contact that committee's chairperson.

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