BY JANET C. WETZEL
The Cincinnati Enquirer
MIDDLETOWN -- With 109 traffic lights in the city, you would think three or four wouldn't be missed.
Think again.
The city's proposal to remove four traffic lights next month has several motorists and pedestrians putting up verbal stop signs. The lights have been turned off and covered up nearly two months during an evaluation period, and numerous complaints have flooded in -- particularly about the one at Manchester Avenue and Main Street.
RuthAnn Warman, who works at First National Bank of Southwestern Ohio on Main Street, said she and many co-workers, plus patrons of the nearby YMCA, want that light and crosswalk restored.
"The city has drastically impaired the safety of the people who work downtown and those who are walking around the hotel (The Manchester Inn) and the Y," both on Manchester, Mrs. Warman said. "They've created a very hazardous situation for the community at large . . . I don't understand the net gain to this."
City Engineer Andy Braun said the city surveys the traffic lights every few years and uses 11 criteria, including traffic volume, to determine whether the lights are needed. If they are no longer warranted, removing them saves costly maintenance and - or replacement expenses and improves traffic flow, he said. He had no figures on potential savings.
Mr. Braun said he has received a few complaints about the proposed removal of the lights at Aberdeen Drive and Central Avenue, Second Avenue and Clinton Street and Second Avenue and Broad Street. Mr. Braun said one of the lights is in his neighborhood, and he thinks its removal has improved traffic flow.
Removal of the Manchester - Main light is drawing plenty of fire. "It's an accident waiting to happen," Mrs. Warman said. "This could further the downfall of the downtown area."
While there may be justification for the complaints, part of the problem is that people resist change, even if it's justified, Mr. Braun said.
If there had never been a traffic light at Main and Manchester, there would not likely be a cry for one. "But since it's there, people get used to the convenience."
Mrs. Warman said the light is convenient, but it also increases safety for people trying to pull out onto Main into traffic that often runs 45 miles per hour, and for the many pedestrians.
Fred Cooper, executive director of the Y on Manchester, said he did an informal survey of 25 members, and about 60 percent favored removing the light. The balance want it restored. Some said it helps slow traffic on Main Street and improves safety for pedestrians and those turning left onto Main, he said.
"It appears to me that it does a better job of pulling traffic off of Manchester Avenue," Mr. Cooper said.
Mr. Braun said if city commissioners decide to restore the Manchester - Main light next month, it is salvageable.
"But it would continue to be somewhat of a maintenance drain on us, and we'd have to put money into it to keep it operating correctly," he said.
