BY KEVIN ALDRIDGE
The Cincinnati Enquirer
MASON -- An accident Friday along a portion of Stitt Road near Mason High School has become a rallying point for opponents of an issue that would restrict road widening projects near schools.
A 14-year-old freshman at Mason High School was hit by a car while trying to cross Stitt Road on her way to school Friday morning. Although the girl suffered no serious injuries, the accident sparked some residents to speak out against Issue 10 -- the proposed School Roads Ordinance -- just days before voters head to the polls.
"I am not in support of Issue 10, and I encourage everyone to vote no," Cheryl Short, the girl's mother, said at Monday's city council meeting.
Issue 10 would halt the city's $7 million plans to widen Tylersville, Stitt and Western Row roads to four lanes. It would also restrict the city's ability to widen any road bordering school property beyond two lanes with a third lane for turning.
Concerned Citizens of Mason, who spearheaded a petition drive to land the measure on the ballot, thinks the conversion of Tylersville Road would imperil schoolchildren because of the increased traffic it would invite.
"It is unfortunate that this happened," said Lisa Hill, a member of Concerned Citizens. "I wouldn't want that to happen to any child. But widening the road is not the answer. The question needs to be asked, what is safer: having five lanes to cross or two?"
"Two-lane roads do not scare kids," added Terry Doll, a resident and professional engineer. "It's not threatening for them to cross a two-lane road, so they cross it and get hit. But kids are a little less likely to cross a four-lane road."
Concerned Citizens members disagree. "Kids are already crossing at Mason-Montgomery Road, and that's a four-lane road," Ms. Hill said. "They do it all the time."
Mrs. Short, a five-year resident, was among several people to appear before council Monday to speak for or against the measure. She acknowledged if not for last Friday's accident, she might have kept quiet on Issue 10.
"My husband and I had decided that we were going to keep our vote private on Issue 10 because it was such a divisive issue in the community," she said. "That was until Friday. My daughter wasn't seriously hurt, but it was only by a matter of inches. If there were more room between the road and the berm, the driver may have been able to avoid my daughter altogether."
Leaders of Concerned Citizens said the ordinance is not designed to keep roads in Mason narrow as opponents of the issue would have voters believe. The ordinance allows for the addition of turning lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks and other improvements.
