Traffic solutions under discussion for Carr Avenue

The city council is considering improvements to Carr Avenue and Broadway Street that could provide sidewalks, more parking and hopefully, less congestion.

Mayor Scott McBrayer originally asked the council to look into traffic solutions because cars parked in the street make it impossible for fire engines from Station 2 to drive down Carr Avenue when responding to calls. The cars also limit visibility and slow down regular traffic.

“If you turn off Carr onto Broadway, especially if you’re turning left, you’re just about taking your life in your hands,” McBrayer said at a July 21 public safety committee meeting.

McBrayer’s suggestion was to restrict parking on the sides of Carr Avenue and create 27 parallel parking spots on Short Saulter Road. Additionally, he wanted to add sidewalks and decorative lights to make the area more like a business district.

At its Aug. 4 meeting, the finance committee approved $31,000 for parking space striping, sidewalks on Carr Avenue, six decorative lights, landscaping, decorative trashcans, crosswalks and three traffic islands to slow down drivers. Curbs on Carr Avenue would also be painted yellow to signify no-parking zones.

The first reading of this proposal was presented to the city council at its Aug. 11 meeting. It required unanimous consent to be approved, but Ward 2 Representative Vance Moody voted against it. For updates, visit thehomewoodstar.com.