The City held a Public Hearing on its planned improvement of McDonald Lane last Thursday, August 30, 2012 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help. A large crowd of nearly 80 people attended, viewed the plans, made comments, and asked questions about details. Mayor Jeff M. Gahan was on hand to welcome attendees. City Council members Scott Blair and Shirley Baird attended, as well as Board of Works President Suellen Wilkinson.
The project will reconstruct McDonald Lane, replacing the existing pavement, along with adding a storm sewer system using curbs and inlets. A new sidewalk and new multi‐use biking/walking path will be added.
Safety improvements will be a critical aspect of the project. Roundabouts are being proposed at the intersections of McDonald Lane with Hickoryvale Drive and Oxford Drive. These should improve the sharp angles at the intersections, while also controlling speed. Also included are speed tables (raised sections of pavement used to slow drivers) near Roanoke Drive.
Many constructive comments were made at the Hearing. Several residents requested additional speed tables to help reduce excessive speed through the neighborhood. The planned roundabouts were questioned, especially for their effectiveness in reducing speed and their ability to accommodate emergency vehicles. The improvement project was endorsed, with several residents expressing the sentiment that “the sooner, the better.”
“I think that the Hearing was a huge success,” began Mayor Gahan. “We had a large crowd attend, and I am glad that the residents took advantage of this opportunity to provide input that will help ensure that this important project will enhance not only the neighborhood, but the community as a whole.”
Many people took advantage of the project engineer’s availability after the comment period was adjourned to discuss specific questions regarding the effect of right-of-way purchase of some of their frontage, or for other details.
The official comment period concludes September 13, 2012. Comment forms are available on the City’s website www.cityofnewalbany.com, or can be sent directly to the Project Engineer, Nick Batta, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it "> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
