Milton's City Council slammed the gas on public safety Wednesday night, giving the final thumbs up to a new Residential Speed Zone program destined to put the brakes on speed demons cruising through the burbs. This move, part of the City's broader Local Road Safety Plan, is all about dialing down the mph to keep streets safer.
The program—which must be sparked off by resident demand and see a minimum of 67% backing from those living on affected streets—is Milton's latest play at wrestling with the pedal-to-the-metal attitudes on local roads. Neighborhoods on the state's "radar permit" list, with a 25 or 30 mph speed limit, and at least 100 vehicles a day rolling through can apply to create a Residential Speed Zone, according to a detailed report on the City's website.
A simple application form, destined for the City's site, serves as the golden ticket for communities competing for the speed reduction treatment, said Public Works Director Sara Leaders during a council gabfest. "At this point, the program can become operational," Leaders stated, planning a shout-out to HOAs to spread the word.
In a seamless shift in gears, the council conversation turned green, with local high school pedagogue Kelly Christian anointed to the Milton Sustainability Advisory Committee. Councilmember Jan Jacobus heralded Christian's dedication to the green scene, saying, "Her passion for the topic of sustainability really came through." Sworn in and set to serve, Christian's classroom know-how is now geared toward guiding Milton down the path of recycling righteousness and waste management wisdom.
Back with the need for speed - or the lack thereof - the Council also greenlighted a contract for a svelte roundabout and pedestrian crossings over at the Bethany Bend-Bethany Creek Drive junction. Engineering Program Manager Rob Dell-Ross touted the project's dual perks: ensuring the safety of bipedal commuters and cooling jets of vehicles without the pocket-pinching pain of land grabs or infrastructure upheavals.
Fire Chief Gabe Benmoussa wrapped the meeting with a status update on the Fire Department's recent triumphs. With initiatives that have included a proactive health program and a Co-Response Mental Health Unit, Benmoussa told council members his team is on track for completing objectives aligned with the City’s Strategic Plan. "I'm confident by the end of 2025, we'll have checked every box," he affirmed.
City hall bigwigs and Milton's finest reconvene March 4, sharpening pencils and minds for the next Regular Meeting round.
