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Residents' safety concerns on Ella Blvd. ignored

In our last issue we reported that the Traffic and Transportation Division of the Houston Public Works Dept. was conducting a traffic study to determine if four way stop signs were warranted at the intersection of Ella and Grovewood. Unfortunately, we learned that the city has decided that the stop signs cannot be installed because Ella is considered a major thoroughfare, and traffic on a major thoroughfare cannot be controlled by stop signs. The decision is puzzling since other major streets such as E. T.C. Jester at W. 18th have had four way stop signs for some time and it handles major traffic flow. So in response the Banner has made two more request to Public Works through Citizens Assistance. First, a sign was requested prohibiting trucks over two axles from using Ella. There is a sign at the corner of Ella and W. 18th prohibiting such trucks with an arrow pointing at Ella. However, a Timbergrove resident on Lindyann brought this to Public Works' attention and was told that the sign refers to T.C. Jester and does not apply to Ella despite its location. The other request made is for a traffic signal to be installed at Ella and Grovewood, since signals are installed at major thoroughfares throughout the city for traffic control.

   In the meantime, the stretch of Ella from W. 11th to W.18th continues to have a high volume of truck traffic including many 18 wheelers. There is also a  problem with speeding vehicles on Ella despite the fact that construction has closed down one lane. The location of an elementary school at Ella and Grovewood creates a safety issue for children crossing Ella at that intersection. In addition, a new townhome development on that same intersection will add to the traffic congestion and danger to the children. Our April issue dealt with these issues and discussed the safety concerns of residents who live along Ella, and their frustrations in getting anyone in the city to listen to them. These are long time residents who have firsthand knowledge of the dangers this stretch of Ella poses to the safety of the children and the neighborhood, yet they are being ignored.

   Perhaps an organized effort to resolve the street issue would be an effective approach. Speaking before City Council as a group of concerned citizens usually gets some response from the Council Members. Also, residents can contact Council Member Toni Lawrence's office as well as call the Mayor's Citizen Assistance Office, and 311, so that many voices can be heard on the Ella St. problems. Parents of children who attend Sinclair Elementary and have to cross Ella could also get involved.

(Near Northwest Banner, June/July 2006)