EAST PROVIDENCE — The oft-discussed removal of a stop sign at the intersection of Estrell Drive and Larry Lane, the highly trafficked throughway in Riverside, came to a conclusion Tuesday night, Oct. 20, when the City Council voted to rescind the ordinance.
The stop sign, which was only set in place some six months ago, will be removed forthwith.
The matter has been talked about at multiple Council meeting in recent weeks. Residents on both sides of the debate spoke passionately, expressing their desire to see the sign stay or be taken down.
Opponents of the sign eventually won out.
“There’s a lot of evidence that stop signs should not be used for control of speeding,” said Patrick Coughlin, whose house sits at the sign and who was its most vocal public opponent.
Mr. Coughlin noted Estrell Drive is a “major cut-through” for motorists and residents exiting Wampanoag Trail towards the Waddington neighborhood. He cited a 2006 study that some 3,150 cars used the road each day. He said adjusting for current measures and it’s now likely over 3,400 vehicles travel the road daily.
Mr. Coughlin added, “We should not be fighting, but we should be working together to deal with the problem of speeding.”
Speed was among the concerns expressed by those who supported the sign, including Estrell Drive resident Stephen Sharkey. Prior to the tally Tuesday, he implored the Council to vote down its removal.
“This is not about the narrow area of the stop sign, but about public safety,” Mr. Sharkey said. “This is about the common wealth, the common good. I strongly urge this ordinance be defeated with a no vote.”
In contrast, the Council unanimously (5-0) voted to rescind the ordinance. The members were assured that the police and public works departments will address the issues raised by residents as it pertains to speeding and the size of vehicles with access to the road.
Public Works Director Steve Coutu said new signage has already been put in place and additional weight limit signs are planned. Previously, EPPD Chief Chris Parella assured elected officials and residents speed enforcement would be heightened in the area.
On a similar topic, the Council gave first approval to an ordinance restricting certain sized vehicles from using Argyle Avenue, President Avenue and Reardon Avenue. The limits will take effect upon second passage by the Council of the ordinance.
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