Newcastle City Council approved decreasing the speed limit on S. Pennsyvania Avenue between S.E. 32nd Street and State Highway 9 to 35 miles per hour.
City Manager Kevin Self, in the June City Council meeting, said several requests had come in after a news article in the Newcastle Pacer. The article detailed the City’s desire to widen the road, and the concern shown by area residents of the road’s ability to handle traffic.
In the future, the City will be widening the road, installing an asphalt overlay, and widening some of the ditches.
Council member Mike Fullerton asked Self and the other council members if they thought the change would help.
“People are going to speed. It doesn’t matter what the speed limit is that is posted,” Self said.
Marci White said, “It’s about training, and making yourself slow down. There will be willful people who do it (speed), and it’s very unfortunate that they will get a ticket.”
Self said, “If nothing else, if it gives residents in the area peace of mind, that, yes, the City is attempting to do everything we can in that area, then I think it is probably worth it. From 45 to 35 for a half-mile stretch isn’t that big of a deal.”
The council continued discussing the driving habits of residents throughout the City, and complained of bad habits including residents running stop signs on some roads, and residents speeding on other roads.
In other business from the June meeting, the Council approved an increase in funding for their partnership with the Newcastle Chamber of Commerce.
Staff met with the Chamber of Commerce three weeks ago, said Self. They (the Chamber) requested an increase in funding from $10,000 to $25,000 with no other changes to the agreement.
Self said the Assistant City Manager looked at other cities to see what they are providing to their chambers of commerce. He said they are anywhere from $20,000 to $30,000 per year.
“I think the Chamber does a great job for us,” Mayor Karl Nail said. “I have no issues whatsoever moving to the $25,000.”
With no discussion by the other council members, the increase in funding was approved.
Chamber CEO/Executive Director Gayla Riddle said, “The chamber is excited to celebrate our growing partnership with the City of Newcastle. We are beyond grateful for the City’s support and increased funding. This partnership benefits our members and demonstrates the City’s commitment to making our business community a priority.
“We look forward to working together to create more opportunities for local businesses and to make Newcastle an even better place to live, work and thrive. Thank you to the City for their dedication to our local businesses and community.”
