Several residents and businesses in Highland Heights have signed a petition advocating for the removal of three concrete barriers on Alexandria Way. The petition states that the barriers hinder the overall flow of traffic and accessibility of surrounding areas.
Long-time Highland Heights resident Bonnie Pickett brought the issue to Tuesday’s meeting, where she presented a petition with 63 signatures from residents and businesses urging the city to consider removing the newly installed barriers.
“These barriers have created an inconvenience for local residents, visitors and businesses by limiting normal traffic, flow and access,” said Pickett.
The three circular barriers sit along the middle of Alexandria Way and are adjacent to several businesses and residences. They include a large rock bed, hanging flower baskets and additional landscaping touches.
During her address to the council, Pickett said that the large width of the barriers makes it significantly more difficult for commercial trucks carrying shipments to adequately turn into the adjacent parking lot and causes unsafe traffic congestion.
“Alexandria way is an important route in our community and restoring full access for improved connectivity reduces unnecessary detours and will help support nearby homes and businesses, ” said Pickett. “We ask the city of Highland Heights to review the impact on these barriers and take prompt action to remove them or provide a clear timeline for reopening the roadway.”
City Administrator Michael Giffen said that when the plans were brought to the council, the intent of these barriers was not to cause controversy. “The purpose was meant to have a beautiful buffer in between our business districts and our community. We were looking for ways, as we did road projects, to beautify the city, it’s really as simple as that,” said Giffen.
Moving forward, Giffen said the city would have to review the cost of removing the barriers in accordance with the cost charged to install them.
“I understand that they have been controversial, and when they first went in in the fall I asked for patience because we had a plan in the spring to beautify them. In the meantime, we’ve been trying to finish the project the way we had intended and designed it, but we have put money into it and it will cost money to remove them,” said Giffen.
Pickett said she is content with having future discussions regarding the costs of removing the barriers but hopes to avoid wasting taxpayer dollars. “I also don’t want to throw good money out of the bag. As much as I can’t stand them, I don’t want to unnecessarily cost the city money that isn’t budgeted,” said Pickett.
The next council meeting is scheduled for July 7th.
