May 14, 2024
Most people had no idea there was a meeting about “traffic on the square” last night, but the City Council and the Board of Commissioners, along with the Sheriff met to discuss this ongoing problem. Our sources tell us that the City un-invited the GDOT from the meeting. There was no public input allowed.
The City has long procrastinated initiating any meaningful changes to the square and the way traffic comes into the square and gets off of the square. The GDOT has provided at least 3 suggestions/drawings to help, with no action from the City Council.
Recently traffic on the square was brought up at a BOC meeting by Comm. Asher Gray because of the many complaints he and other commissioners get about it. Councilwoman Gail Harrell was at that meeting and firmly reminded the BOC that the City was in charge of this and it was their decision to make.
Instead of initiating a change or two and trying it for three months to see how it works, the City Council seems to be against anything that is suggested. Making Funderburg Drive a one way street was a NO! Removing a few parking spaces to help traffic flow better was a NO. People have suggested turning the Yield Signs so that traffic ON the square can continue to move and get off the square, while cars coming on the square have to yield; this idea wasn’t discussed. This idea has been suggested by numerous different people, but trying anything seems to be out of the question for the City Council.
According to someone that attended the meeting there were no creative ideas. There was no discussion that would apply any logic to eliminate or solidify a plan. And one of the first things brought up was “who was going to pay for it.” The City has told everyone they are in charge, so they should pay for it? BUT how much would it cost to turn the yield signs around?? ZERO!!
Two things came out of the meeting. One-The City would try to get GDOT to stripe two lanes on the square—while admitting the 18 wheelers must take the middle, and if everyone stayed in their lane no one would be able to get out of their parking space. Two-The City would have a delay added to the traffic light to allow a few extra seconds for traffic already on the square to exit.
It is going to be up to the citizens of the City and the County to bring forth ideas to the City Council about the traffic situation and force them to start with small incremental changes. It is time something was done! The problem can not keep being kicked down the road while the Council sits in fear of doing something.
Citizens, be informed and stay informed! Only by being informed, can the citizens understand what is being done and talked about, and then press our officials to make good decisions for everyone in Jasper County.
TWG
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