In case you weren't able to attend the meeting last Thursday, here is our somewhat subjective take:
* The reps from the DOT and 71st Pct. support speed humps in general and say they are an effective traffic calming device. The 71st Pct. rep suggested that on the long blocks TWO humps be placed to prevent drivers' instinct to speed up after a hump to try to make the light. No suggestion that patrolmen hate driving over the humps.
* The FDNY was unable to attend, but DOT said that speed humps on designated fire routes are a non-starter.
* The DOT rep said that the agency is "complaint driven" and will respond to requests for speed humps by doing an independent assessment of their appropriateness. Under certain conditions—like the presence of a school, or a consistent speeding problem (though the DOT rep was a little fuzzy on this one)—the DOT will build without going through the community board. (The speed limit on residential streets without schools is 30 mph.) If the conditions for a quasi-mandatory speed hump are not met, the DOT will seek the approval of the community group, which asks for a petition signed by residents of the block.
* The general feeling appeared to be pro-traffic calming, but there were a couple of very VERY vocal opponents. From them we learned that cars don't kill people, people who don't get out of the way kill people.
* Much of the crowd was interested in hearing about other forms of traffic calming, but neither speaker was able to answer their questions. Though Transportation Alternatives was billed as one of the consultants, the organizer mistakenly forgot to notify TA that the canceled January 10 meeting had been rescheduled.
In the end, there were no conclusions or decisions made. Since most people left with questions, we're going to plan a followup meeting and have Transportation Alternatives discuss a variety of traffic calming methods that could work in our neighborhood. Stay tuned.
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