Explanation
1. BACKGROUND
This resolution authorizes the Public Service Director to request the Ohio Department of Transportation to establish a safe operating speed on Long Street from Hamilton Park Avenue to Champion Avenue. Engineering studies conducted in accordance with Ohio Revised Code 4511.21 support decreasing the current prima-facie speed limit from 35 miles per hour to 30 miles per hour. The Transportation Division performed the speed zone study as a result of a request from the public to lower the speed limit and to reflect redevelopment efforts in the area.
2. FISCAL IMPACT
None
Title
To request that the Director of the Ohio Department of Transportation lower the prima-facie speed limit on Long Street from Hamilton Park Avenue to Champion Avenue to thirty (30) mph, and to repeal any and all speed limit ordinances and resolutions on said roadways.
Body
WHEREAS, Long Street is an arterial roadway per the Columbus Thoroughfare Plan and provides primary access to the King-Lincoln District; and
WHEREAS, the city strongly supports redevelopment of the King-Lincoln District to provide for increased retail, office, entertainment and residential opportunities; and
WHEREAS, the renovation of the Lincoln Theatre and adjacent infrastructure is considered a critical component of redevelopment; and
WHEREAS, in order to promote the ideals of livable streets and comfortable pedestrian travel, the City of Columbus desires a lower speed limit on Long Street; and
WHEREAS, the current prima-facie speed limit on Long Street from Hamilton Park Avenue to Champion Avenue is 35 miles per hour; and
WHEREAS, traffic engineering studies and investigations performed under the direction of a Professional Engineer indicate that a posted speed of 30 miles per hour is reasonable and safe under existing conditions; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus will continue to monitor vehicle speeds and volumes and revise necessary regulations to promote a safe residential and pedestrian environment; and
WHEREAS, the Transportation and Pedestrian Commission approved this speed limit reduction on September 11, 2008; and
WHEREAS, Section 4511.21 of the Ohio Revised Code provides for the establishment of a reasonable and safe prima facie speed limit under such conditions by the Director of the Ohio Department of Transportation upon request of a local authority; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus, Ohio, Public Service Department, Transportation Division, City Traffic Engineer, recommends that a reasonable and safe prima facie speed limit of 30 miles per hour be established for Long Street from Hamilton Park Avenue to Champion Avenue; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
Section 1. That any and all previous speed limit ordinances and resolutions on Long Street from Hamilton Park Avenue to Champion Avenue be and are hereby repealed.
Section 2. That, upon the basis of the aforesaid engineering and traffic investigations, it is hereby determined that the posted speed limit of 30 miles per hour for Long Street from Hamilton Park Avenue to Champion Avenue is reasonable and safe under existing conditions.
Section 3. Be it further resolved that the Director of the Ohio Department of Transportation is hereby requested to review the engineering and traffic investigation and to determine and declare a reasonable and safe prima facie speed limit of 30 miles per hour for Long Street from Hamilton Park Avenue to Champion Avenue.
Section 4. This resolution shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.