In a meeting that stretched nearly three hours Monday night, Fort Thomas City Council addressed a proposed roundabout at Highland and Grand Avenues.
Discussion surrounding the potential roundabout drew sharp criticism from both residents and council members.
The idea gained traction after a Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, known as KYTC, analysis suggested the design could work at the intersection, though funding and final plans remain uncertain. The project, if approved, would be state-funded.
“If you have at a busy time a lot of cars coming down Grand [Avenue], is one car even going to be able to fit in? It’s too tight,” said councilmember Andy Ellison. “My vote is absolutely not.”
Other members of the city council, like Jeff Bezold, suggested revisiting the proposed plan.
“I’m not in favor of the roundabout as it is now,” Bezold said. “If safety is a concern, I’d like to exhaust all other options.”
Resident Hilary Landwehr points to other nearby roundabouts, like the ones at Northern Kentucky University, stating the large size that’s needed for them.
“I would recommend that the council, before you make a decision, go to NKU and look at those [roundabouts],” Landwehr said. “Look at how big they are, and notice the little pedestrian traffic. I drive through Highland and Grand [Avenue] several times a week, and there are almost always pedestrians crossing, and they aren’t university-age students. We have kids, people on scooters and bicycles trying to get across, and I think someone is going to get killed.”
Residents like Tiffany Huber urge discussions surrounding the roundabout continue far in advance before the council makes a vote on whether or not to move forward.
“Even if the state is giving away this for free, it doesn’t mean anything if our city doesn’t want it. If they want it, let’s ask the people,” Huber said. “Please ask the citizens what they want.”
Council decided to table discussions of the roundabout for now.