Qualls motion helps in returning Beechmont to residents

Cincinnati City Councilmember Roxanne Qualls wants to ensure that neighborhoods' main thoroughfares serve the needs of residents and business districts first.

At the September 10 meeting of City Council, Qualls introduced a motion supporting traffic calming measures on Beechmont Avenue in Mt. Washington.

The motion, based on a request from the Mt. Washington Community Council (MWCC), asks the city to create plans and a budget for the segment of Beechmont between Elstun Road and Burney Lane that would reduce traffic speeds and create a pedestrian-friendly environment.

In 2004, the Ohio Department of Transportation widened Beechmont Avenue to eliminate an alternating "zipper" traffic lane and to improve the intersection of Beechmont and Corbly Avenue.

"The 2004 widening has drastically affected those whose primary residences are on and off of Beechmont Avenue," says Robert Hayes, who serves on the MWCC board of directors.  "During rush hour, traffic on Beechmont Hill rarely travels below 50 miles per hour, despite posted speed limits of 35 mph and 25 mph.  This is unacceptable for a residential street."

The traffic calming measures are meant to turn Beechmont into a multi-modal transportation option, while still serving as an important east side artery.

"Moving vehicular traffic and pedestrian designed streets are not mutually exclusive," says Weston Munzel, also on the MWCC board.  "Other main traffic routes in the area successfully traverse mixed use districts and achieve this type of balance - Mariemont, Oakley, Mt. Lookout, and Columbia Tusculum.  This is not a new idea."

At the same meeting, city council approved the rezoning of several properties adjacent to the road.

"The re-zonings that are occurring now, in conjunction with the proposed street improvements, are working to return Beechmont Avenue to a more pedestrian-friendly business district, as is seen in many of our fellow east side neighborhoods," Hayes says.

A report on the motion is due before council on October 8.

Writer: Kevin LeMaster
Sources: Robert Hayes and Weston Munzel, board of directors, MWCC
Photograph by Scott Beseler    (liscense plate edited)