• Will greenspace and trees be lost? The conceptual roundabout is designed to minimize the loss of trees. No large, old growth trees will need to be removed. The roundabout includes creation of several new greenspaces where pavement currently exists. Based on the conceptual plan, future greenspace is estimated to be 20-25% greater than the existing greenspace. An important design element is that a higher percentage of the future greenspace is distributed to the interior of the roadway which enhances landscape options and the visual experience of drivers, and can reduce headlight glare of opposing vehicles. Also, the roundabout design moves the street away from several sections of public sidewalk, creating safer pedestrian routes.
• How will we preserve the history of the greenspace triangle north of the intersection? City leaders and officials from The Oakwood Historical Society have discussed ideas on how to better recognize and present the history of the land on the northern end of the roundabout, an area that was historically referred to as “Flat Iron Point”. Detailed plans for the roundabout would include provisions for enhancing the historic significance of Flat Iron Point. If federal funds are awarded for the project, historical impacts are required to be considered and incorporated into the project design.
• Will loss of the greenspace triangle negatively impact the 333 Oakwood Ave condominium complex? No negative impact is anticipated. In fact, given the traffic calming effect of the roundabout, options for enhancing the landscape within the Five Points public right-of-way, and creation of a historic feature at “Flat Iron Point,” it may enhance 333 Oakwood Ave.
• Where will the Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) poles be located? The beacon poles will be located near the crosswalks, at the entrance to the roundabout.
• Will the beacons create light pollution? The beacons will create less light pollution than the current traffic signal. The current traffic signal includes 6 lenses per approach, which are always illuminated in either red, yellow or green. The conceptual roundabout plan includes 6 lenses, but they are only illuminated when actuated by a person using the crosswalk and only on the multi-lane approaches. The vast majority of the time, the signal heads are not illuminated, and the minor side streets would not have beacons.