New stop signs to be installed

A new stop sign will be temporarily installed for southbound traffic on Monument Avenue at Court Street, though the city’s traffic commission did not recommend it.

Council unanimously voted to have the new stop sign for at least 120 days.

“That will give us a four month time frame to receive public comment back, saying if they like it or don’t like it,” said City Manager Joshua Smith.

Council elected not to follow the recommendation of the City Traffic Commission, which in August opposed a stop sign at the intersection because accident data did not warrant it.

“We have not had one accident there in the last three years,” said Chris Butterfield with the city’s Transportation and Traffic Division. “While people are saying it’s a dangerous intersection, we’re not experiencing any accidents.”

But council members said they’d rather err on the side of caution and not have the near misses at the intersection — which some residents said they’ve experienced — turn into accidents.

“We’ve been fortunate, I think, to date, but as we work try to build a walkable community and encourage more pedestrian (traffic) and that is a trail head for bikes, there’s a lot of traffic that is starting to walk through there,” said Councilman Rob Wile.

Council also requested the “compact only” parking signs be changed to no parking signs to help the line of sight for motorists.

Feedback from motorists and travelers can contact the general engineering line at (513) 785-7290.

But Monument Avenue isn’t the only new stop sign to be installed in the city.

City Council agreed last week to put up stop signs at six intersections in German Village. Legislation, which has been considered since last month, was unanimously supported by council to make the intersections on Dayton, Buckeye and Village streets that cross with Second and Third streets four-way stops.

The stop signs were discussed by the City Traffic Commission in October and the board was split in the support of the signs.

Stop signs for the one temporary on Monument and six four-way stop signs in German Village are expected to be installed soon after the ordinances take effect in mid-January.

Animal resuscitator

Last week, the Sharonville-based Queen City Dog Training Club donated an animal resuscitator. The donation was initiated by Hamilton city resident and member of the club.

Hamilton fire Chief Steve Dawson said it’s not uncommon to come across an incapacitated or dead animal during a house fire.

“When you go to a fire (a family) may have lost everything, and to lose a pet on top of that it can be devastating,” the chief said. “If we can reverse that and help save their pet, then that’s all good.”

All fire personnel have been trained on the animal resuscitator, which has different size masks for various types of animal. It’s valued at $500.

The resuscitator will be stored in the battalion commander’s vehicle, which goes to all fires, Dawson said.

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