27th Street changes considered
By KALEY LYON
The possibility of re-striping a few blocks of 27th Street from two lanes to three was discussed at Thursday's Hays City Commission meeting.
Some commissioners expressed support at the idea of re-striping to add a turning lane from Plum Street to Hall Street.
"This has come up many times... I think it's time to do it," said Vice-Mayor Ron Mellick, who had asked city staff to explore this option earlier this summer.
Since then, city staff has solicited feedback from more than 50 residents on both sides of 27th Street.
The feedback suggests that most of the residents are opposed to this change, due to the fact that they would lose on-street parking.
This issue also was addressed in a city-wide traffic study conducted in 2004. This report recommended re-striping this section of road to three lanes for consistency.
"It's not a bad concept, although obviously, it's been brought up lots of times," Commissioner Troy Hickman said. "I know the concern in the past has always been, what about the parking? It's always going to be all about the parking."
Hickman also suggested the possibility of setting up traffic cones before making the change permanent to determine how effective the additional lane would be.
Mellick said he thought this change would be beneficial to the city as a whole, and help move traffic more smoothly in this much-traveled intersection.
He noted the biggest problem seems to occur during peak hours when traffic often is backed up by vehicles needing to make left turns.
"I think we need to get some consistency in our arterial streets," Mellick said.
This issue will appear before commissioners again next week, at which time they will take possible action.
Commissioner Chris Channell was absent, and the board agreed the issue could be tabled if he feels he needs more time for consideration.
In other business:
* Commissioners will take possible action to abate a dangerous structure at next week's meeting. The structure in question is a detached garage located at 113 E. Fifth.
*¬ Commissioners reviewed an ordinance for the possible condemnation of Smoky Hill Wellfield, to be discussed next week if the city is unable to reach negotiations with property owners.
*¬ A bid in the amount of $21,600 for the sealing and staining of wooden structures at Hays Aquatic Park will be placed on next week's agenda for action.
*¬ Commissioners heard a request for funding from Heartland Community Foundation.
* A revision to setback regulations in residential-zoned areas was discussed, and action will be taken next week. This change was recommended by the Hays Area Planning Commission.