Sandpoint gives roundabout a red light
SANDPOINT — A proposed roundabout at the intersection of Larch and Boyer was nixed at last week’s City Council meeting, with the body instead opting for a standard traffic light.
The roundabout plan was shot down on a 3-2 vote, with council members Helen Newton, John Reuter and Doug Hawkins Jr. voting against the idea and council members Carrie Logan and Michael Boge voting in favor. Councilman Stephen Snedden was absent.
The light versus roundabout debate began in March, when representatives from Super 1 Foods announced their plans to open a store at the former LP Mill site at the corner of Larch and Boyer.
As part of the building process, Super 1 officials would be responsible for implementing some form of traffic control at the intersection.
The initial plan called for a four-way traffic light, but Logan questioned the viability of a light and said a roundabout would better suit the neighborhood.
The city’s Urban Area Transportation Plan says roundabouts and traffic lights can be used interchangeably and, according to Public Works Director Kody Van Dyk, representatives from Super 1 are amiable to either option, but want a council recommendation before proceeding.
Because there are currently no roundabouts within the city, Fire Chief Robert Tyler said he has concerns about their ability to accommodate emergency vehicles.
“Fire chiefs that I’ve spoken to in Kootenai County are not in favor of them,” Tyler said. “The research that I’ve looked at tells me what I need to see is based on the design. Until that design is put in front of me, I’m really not going to say yes or no.”
Police Chief Mark Lockwood said he did not support the plan and worried a roundabout at the intersection could potentially stack cars from Fifth Avenue to Larch.
“Once it’s built, if we have the funding to do that, will we ever have the funding to correct it if we need to down the road?” he said. “I’m not willing to roll the dice on that today to be told down the road, ‘You were wrong.’”
While he voted against the roundabout, Reuter questioned Lockwood’s expertise in traffic control and said consultants hired by the city were not opposed to the idea.
“Could it be possible that your concerns about this issue just simply have to do with your lack of knowledge about traffic flow and your lack of knowledge about roundabouts and the difference between those two things and how they work inside of a plan?” he said.
The vote was non-biding and meant only as a recommendation. The council also voted against the use of stop signs at the intersection. By voting against a roundabout and stop signs, the council gave a de facto recommendation for a traffic light.
The decision was just the first salvo in what will likely be a continuous debate. The matter is scheduled to appear on tonight’s Public Works agenda and will likely appear before the full council once more later this month.