Poland accepting views on plan for traffic light

By Ashley Luthern

aluthern@vindy.com

POLAND

Residents and village officials have until Tuesday to voice any concerns about the Ohio Department of Transportation’s plan to install a traffic light in front of the post office.

The traffic signal will be at the intersection of U.S. Route 224 and Pennsylvania Avenue, which is directly across from the post-office entrance. The project, discussed for several years, will begin in a year, said Justin Chesnic, ODOT District 4 spokesman.

Chesnic said so far he has received only one phone call from a resident, who wasn’t against the project but wanted more information.

People outside the post office Friday were divided on their opinions of the usefulness of a new traffic light.

“It wouldn’t hurt — it’s busy here,” said Millie Baldwin of Poland.

Village Police Chief Russell Beatty said he recalls only one serious accident in that area, and it was caused by an elderly person’s medical condition.

“We actually have very few traffic accidents there,” he said. “People have made an adjustment.”

That adjustment, Beatty said, usually is planning a route. Many people avoid turning west onto Route 224 from the post-office entrance, he added.

As of last week, no traffic accidents were reported at the intersection this year, although an accident in the post-office parking lot occurred, Beatty said.

Councilman David Raspanti said that to his knowledge, no one on council opposes the project.

The estimated project cost is $173,800, and two-way traffic will be maintained at all times, Chesnic said.

“The standard ... is that traffic will be stopped for 10 minutes here or there, but that really won’t happen. It may be a couple of minutes to string a light, and if we do that, we’ll do it during nonpeak hours,” he said.

Anyone with questions or comments can call 330-786-2209.