Follansbee Council urges state to halt signal removals
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FOLLANSBEE -- Follansbee Council and other city officials are making it clear they are against a proposal to remove four four-way traffic signals along Main Street.
Mayor David Velegol Jr. said officials with the West Virginia Division of Highways have advised of plans to remove the signals on Main (which is part of state Route 2) and its intersections with State, Ohio and Raymond streets and the entrance to the former coke plant at the city's north end.
Signed by Velegol, members of council and City Police Chief Larry Rea, the letter states such removal "creates multiple dangerous and possibly fatal hazards to the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Follansbee, the motoring public and the pedestrians who cross our streets every single day."
Velegol said changes in recent months to signals, such as the flashing yellow and red lights at State Street and bagged signals at Ohio Street, have resulted in the speed of traffic through the city being "noticeably faster and more dangerous."
"Due to that increased speed and the fact that motor vehicles are no longer required to stop at those two intersections, exiting any of the side streets along West Virginia Route 2 has become increasingly difficult and increasingly more hazardous."
"The increased traffic speed creates a serious threat of collision to drivers of vehicles attempting to exit various side streets and parking lots, an increased risk of rear-end collisions, and a very real danger to the health and safety of drivers attempting to enter and exit their vehicles parked along Main Street."
Fifth Ward Councilwoman Wendy DeAngelis agreed, saying, "People drive way too fast."
The letter also states "the continuous and unmitigated flow of non-stop traffic through downtown Follansbee creates a very dangerous hazard for any pedestrian attempting to cross West Virginia Route 2."
Velegol said while there are crossings with call buttons with which pedestrians may activate stop signals, the crossing signals aren't long enough to accommodate elderly and disabled walkers.
"Can you imagine people trying to cross from Dalesio Manor?" said Councilman at large John Casinelli, referring to a senior housing complex on Main Street.
Velegol added, "Besides the elderly and disabled, the city of Follansbee has a considerable number of other citizens who cross West Virginia Route 2 multiple times each day to shop for groceries, mail letters, pick up medical prescriptions, launder their clothes, get their hair cut, go to the doctor and dentist, eat at restaurants and patronize numerous other businesses around town."
Velegol said, "There's a business component in this -- it hurts businesses, but the primary concern is safety."
Casinelli said he would like a meeting with state highway officials so they can give the reasons for the proposed removal of the signals.
Velegol advised a meeting with them has been requested in the letter.
In other business, council discussed a traffic issue involving the top of Mark Avenue, the street leading to the Parkview neighborhood.
Third Ward Councilman Nick Cekinovich said vehicles have veered from a steep bend in the street into residences nearby, causing damage and anxiety for those who live there.
DeAngelis and 4th Ward Councilman Frank Pedersen said homes and fences have been struck by vehicles there.
Cekinovich had suggested placing a stop sign there. But Rea said icy weather has caused vehicles to slide into the residences and it can be difficult for drivers to stop there under such conditions.
Rea questioned whether a better remedy would be a guardrail along the residents' property, while acknowledging it would require some space.
City Attorney Michael Gaudio said he's seen properties in Weirton where small poles have been placed to block vehicles from entering them.
No action was taken on the matter on Monday.
Also on Monday:
— Council tabled a proposed contract renewal for City Manager Joseph DiBartolomeo, who was hired last June.
— Council members signed a thank you to resident George Brindley, a retired educator whom Velegol said has spent many hours collecting litter in the 5th Ward, where he lives.