CSSBD

Residents along Newstead noticed that north-bound traffic was moving way too fast. Cathedral Square Special Business District (CSSBD) Commissioner John Oleski heard the complaints and had a thought. He had noticed that roundabouts on Waterman and Lake slowed traffic. The technical term is “traffic calming” – a visual cue to drivers to slow down.

Why couldn’t the same idea work on Newstead to enhance safety? And, why couldn’t the traffic- calming feature be designed in a way that would add to the historic neighborhood’s beauty?

Oleski went to work. A photograph of the Newstead/Westminster intersection was taken to show how it appears to drivers – as an unimpeded street, so why not speed up? Then a photograph of the Waterman and Lake roundabout was photoshopped onto the the existing Newstead streetscape to show what the street would look with a traffic-calming feature.

Oleski shared the photographs and his idea with other CSSBD Commissions. They also had noticed the safety problem and agreed that a traffic-calming roundabout at Newstead and Westminster could improve public safety and be an attractive addition to the Cathedral Square neighborhood. But would neighbors support the idea? And what would it cost?

A poll of Westminster Place residents found solid support for the project. CSSBD President Wade Crowder worked with Fullerton Place President Vince Manganella to coordinate bids for the project. Westminster Place resident Katie Delmez designed plantings that could be used.

An early problem was how electricity and water could be delivered to the roundabout at reasonable cost. The CSSBD approached Greystone Board President Larry Valli for help. Valli liked the roundabout idea and said that the contractor could tap into Greystone power from its poolhouse and tie into its plumbing system for water. In return for this long-term commitment from The Greystone board, the CSSBD paid to upgrade the poolhouse electrical system.

One by one, City departments weighed in on CSSBD plans. Would Fire Department trucks be able to get around the roundabout? Was the proposed cement foundation for the fountain safe? One question after another was posed and answered to meet City standards.

In July, Gateway Contractors installed the foundation base and the decorative urn. Then landscaper William Wells chose and planted the shrubs and trees and installed the lighting. The roundabout was complete.

The project has met its objectives: Newstead traffic has slowed down, enhancing neighborhood safety, and the project has added to the historic neighborhood’s beauty.

The CSSBD’s John Oleski points to “the lesson we learned, once again – good things happen when neighbors work together.”