BACKGROUND
In response to a Request for Engineering Assistance (REA) from the Township, the Delaware County Engineer's Office has submitted the results of a study of the existing stop signs located at the following intersections:
- Saint Andrews Drive at Frasier Road
- Somerset Avenue at Gainey Court and Annandale Court
- Hilmar Drive at Grisham Street
- Hilmar Drive at Pine Hollow Drive
- Spring Run Drive and Dunaway Lane
- Spring Run Drive at Chateau Lane South was included in error. The intended location, Spring Run Drive at Dunaway Lane, was resubmitted to the Delaware County Engineer for review.
WHY?
Traffic control devices must be uniform (ORC 4511.11) to ensure drivers know how to safely operate in any jurisdiction across the state or country. An unwarranted traffic control device cannot legally be enforced by police nor can liability be determined in the event of an accident.
WHAT'S NEXT
Genoa Township has posted a notice advising drivers, "Traffic Pattern to Change". The unwarranted stop signs and stop bars will then be removed following the installation of RFBs as follows:
| Location | Rapid Flashing Beacon update | Stop Sign Removal Date |
| Saint Andrews Drive at Frasier Road | RFB unit was ordered after further review by the Delaware County Engineer | May 10 |
| Somerset Avenue at Gainey Court and Annandale Court |
RFB unit was ordered after further review by the Delaware County Engineer | May 10 |
| Hilmar Drive at Grisham Street |
RFB unit is in-hand and on-schedule for installation | March 10 |
| Hilmar Drive at Pine Hollow Drive |
RFB shipment delayed. If not received by March 7, sign removal will be delayed until May 10. | May 10 |
| Spring Run Drive and Dunaway | RFB shipment delayed. If not received by March 7, sign removal will be delayed until May 10. | May 10 |
Advisory signs will be permanently posted indicating that, "Cross Traffic Does Not Stop".
A survey of residents indicated a preference for Rapid Flashing Beacons (RFB) to be installed as an alternative means to slow traffic and ensure safe crossings. View a summary of survey results. In response, Genoa Township has purchased four sets of RFBs and Westerville City Schools has purchased an additional set. These will be installed along with crosswalks at all five locations.
Continued discussion of the stop sign removal will take place during the next regular Township Board of Trustees meeting on March 2 (6:30 p.m.) . The public is welcome to attend and make comments.
Project Updates:
During a February 9 meeting with the Highland Lakes Homeowners Association, permanent driver feedback signs (also known as "Your Speed" radar display signs) were agreed upon as an alternative means to slow traffic on Saint Andrews Drive.
February 25: An RFB was initially not considered well-suited for use on St. Andrews Drive or Somerset Avenue, but further discussion with neighborhood leaders and traffic engineers led to the commitment to purchase additional RFBs for these locations.
Project Updates:
During a February 9 meeting with the Highland Lakes Homeowners Association, permanent driver feedback signs (also known as "Your Speed" radar display signs) were agreed upon as an alternative means to slow traffic on Saint Andrews Drive.
February 25: An RFB was initially not considered well-suited for use on St. Andrews Drive or Somerset Avenue, but further discussion with neighborhood leaders and traffic engineers led to the commitment to purchase additional RFBs for these locations.
POLICE ENFORCEMENT
- Enforcement of speeds is conducted regularly, and citations are issued when appropriate. Additional special attention will be given to the neighborhoods being impacted by the stop sign removal.
ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS
- Can the Township leave the stop signs in place?
Removing the stop signs is not a choice, it is a legal obligation. - Speeding is a problem. Why remove signs that slow traffic?
The signs are "unwarranted", meaning that engineering standards established by the State of Ohio for the placement of stop signs are not being met. Unwarranted signs cannot be legally enforced by police, even in the event of an accident. - Why were the signs ever installed if they are unwarranted?
The signs were installed by a previous administration with good intentions to slow traffic as requested by residents. However, the required legal process was not followed to justify their placement. Genoa Township must now rectify this error to comply with the law. - Why don't police enforce speed more often?
Chief Gammill has stepped up enforcement in the areas where stop signs will be removed as much as possible. However, officers must be careful not to neglect the duties required of them across the Township's 25 square miles. - How will the Township slow speeding traffic?
Residents responded to a survey indicating a preference for Rapid Flashing Beacons (RFBs) in place of the unwarranted stop signs. These devices will be installed on Hilmar and Spring Run Drives. RFBs were not well suited for use on Saint Andrews Drive or Somerset Avenue. After a discussion with the Highland Lakes Home Owners Association, permanent driver feedback signs (also known as "Your Speed" radar display signs) were agreed upon as an alternative means to slow traffic on Saint Andrews Drive. Further discussion will take place at the next regular meeting of the Board of Trustees on March 2, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. at Township Hall. - Why don’t you have Genoa residents vote on whether they want the signs removed?
Township residents cannot supersede state law by vote. - The yellow cautionary signs stating "Traffic Pattern to Change" are unsightly and I want them removed.
Temporary "Traffic Pattern to Change" signs were installed in the Public Right of Way. The signs were posted in compliance with the law which requires a 30-day notice prior to a change to the traffic pattern. Signs stating that "Cross Traffic Does Not Stop" will be installed on March 10 or May 10 depending upon location and will be permanent. - When was this effort initiated?
A "Request for Engineering Assistance" was filed on September 15, 2022 with the Delaware County Engineer who determined the signs were unwarranted per State standards. Studies conducted at a later date to determine the speed of traffic completed by Genoa Police were not a factor in determining whether the signs were warranted. - This is a poor use of time and public funds.
Compliance with the law is an obligation requiring an ongoing investment of resources.
