Safety was brought up during Thursday’s Elizabethton Regional Planning Commission meeting.
Concerned resident Jeff Jackson addressed the commission in regards to traffic management on Edgewood Drive.
Jackson said speeding got out of hand during the summer on the road, which has nine houses. Due to issues and safety concerns for individuals and animals on the road, which dates back to June, the idea of setting up traffic management was put into motion.
The proposal issued at the meeting was to install a temporary speed bump for one to three months and monitor the speeding situation.
Speeding has been as issue on Edgewood Drive, which saw over 400-plus cars utilize the street according to data provided. The problem has also occurred on Golf Course Drive, which saw 169 use the street the week after Thanksgiving. From the total provided, it was noted that 67 of the drivers were going over the 25 mile per hour speed limit.
Data for Edgewood Drive obtained by the office did not include information from the Elizabethton Police Department. While citing numerous complaints from the area, Hartman added the department noted there were no reports filed.
While looking at Edgewood Drive, Golf Course Drive could also see traffic management in the future, pending further study.
Following discussion from commission members, a motion was made to implement a speed bump for 30 days at Edgewood Drive and see what data provides before moving further with other action.
The measure passed 4-2 with Ron Kirby absent from the meeting. Voting in favor of the speed bump include Dena Bass, Vickie Manuel, Bill Taylor and Chairman Paul Bellamy. Wes Fraizer and Melanie Sellers voted against the request.
In other business, the commission voted to approve a site plan for additional renovations for Hopwood Memorial Christian Church, located near Milligan College.
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Prior to the Regional Planning Commission Meeting, the Board of Zoning Appeals opened up Thursday’s evening for commissioners.
The board passed four measures, including:
• Approving requests by Michael and Kathy Pierce for variances to property located on 612 and 614 West I Street.
• Approving the variance request by Hopwood Memorial Christian Church for a variance at the property located on 109 Hopwood Lane.
• Approving a 20 foot variance for Clayton Homes to expand property located at 1581 Highway 19-E.