Several of you have contacted the Board with concerns regarding the
increased traffic in our neighborhood due to the construction on
Whitaker Road. The Washtenaw County Sheriff Office has been contacted
and they have provided increased patrols and traffic enforcement,
resulting in tickets being issued to drivers for traffic infractions.
They have indicated that our streets are public roads and the Sheriff's
Office can not limit the public's access to them. We are going to have to
be patient and exercise care when pulling out of our driveways and
crossing the street. In addition, a concern was raised that the
increased traffic volume would result in an increase in crime in our
neighborhood. The WCSO felt that concern was unfounded and believes that
the increase in traffic – and therefore witnesses – should actually
lead to *less* potential for crimes. There has not been an increase in
the number of calls received from our neighborhood since the detour
began. The Board has done what we can to ensure the safety and
security of the neighborhood during this period of increased traffic.
All of us can help by keeping our cars in our garages or driveways to
reduce the number of blind spots that drivers have to navigate around.
This will help protect the children who might dart out from between
parked cars. If you have additional questions or concerns,
please contact Sgt. Jeff Hankamp at hankampj@ewashtenaw.org.
Sgt. Hankamp, and the WCSO as a whole, have all been extremely helpful
and responsive to our concerns. We owe them a big thanks for all their
efforts in keeping us safe! | 