Vote to lower village's speed limits

SANDUSKY — As a government body accelerates forward with a plan to lower speed limits throughout its political subdivision, some residents are quickly taking action to potentially stop or even reverse this process. Earlier this month, Bay View council members approved legislation to begin the process of declaring village streets as alleys. Because of this, it would require a decrease in speed limits on these roads — from 25 mph today to 15 mph — which could take effect as soon as mid-September. This would apply to pretty much every public street within village limits, including the main drag of East Bayview Drive. It wouldn't affect Martins Point Road, which totals 35 mph, as it connects to Ohio 2 from Ohio 269 south of the village. The government's reasoning Council members pointed to safety measures as a reason for the change. This would include, ideally, reducing accidents and looking out for motorists when dealing with slick road conditions. A common complaint also revolves around motorists exceeding the 25 mph speed limits on various roads throughout the village, which includes residential areas. Mark Smith, a partner at Sandusky-based Flynn, Py & Kruse Co. who represents the village, provided some reasons for this decision. Smith answered on behalf of Mayor Larry Gwinner: • The blueprint: Smith noted other municipalities across Ohio have taken this action, "and the village of Bay View has elected to follow suit." • The reason: "The main issue contemplated by council is that the interior streets are less than 25 feet in width and less than a quarter or half mile in length for most of them and, therefore, present a hazard for travel at 25 mph with kids, dog walkers and other modes of transportation: golf carts, bikes, scooters, etc." • The action: "Rather than being reactive in the event a tragedy occurs, they have voted to proactively address the situation by beginning the process of declaring the streets as alleys, thus lowering the speed limit to 15 mph, pursuant to applicable Ohio law. This has been discussed and debated in open session of council for months, and input was received from residents as part of the decision to proceed." The residents' reaction Following council's decision, a group of residents organized a public meeting, scheduled for 1 p.m. Sunday at the park, at West Cauyga Trail and Sunset Plaza, where Paul Orshoski Field is located. Beyond the speed limit change, some residents don't appreciate the manner in which council made this decision in what they're calling a non-transparent move. Reclassifying strees as alleys, according to residents, would lead to a loss in property values. They're also under the belief that curbside services, such as garbage, and insurance premiums would increase. As defined, an alley as opposed to a street also places greater responsibilities on homeowners versus governments to pay for street maintenance and area repairs. "Let's get together and work toward finding a solution to stop the nonsense going on with the village council and the mayor," according to a Facebook post previewing this gathering. "Come out, speak up, and let's stand together for our community." At the meeting, organizers intend to circulate a petition, aiming to reverse this decision — which would need to occur through a vote during an upcoming election — made by the council whenever it takes effect. Council approved the legislation on an emergency basis, which puzzled residents, as many online asked relating to "What's the emergency?" "The residents were unaware of this proposal," according to a village resident who spoke with the Register and wished to remain anonymous for fear of facing retaliation from officeholders. "The meeting and petition are to inform residents (and to get) signatures for a referendum petition to be put on a ballot to let the residents decide for or against." Those signing the petition must live in Bay View and reside within village limits. "All Bay View residents are invited to the meeting and to give their opinion and ask questions," the resident said. Councilman chimes in On a Facebook post previewing this gathering — made by a village resident who also requested anonymity for the same reasons — councilman Dan Greiger responded to the petition process. "You were just at an open council meeting. I guess you were too afraid to speak your mind then," Greiger wrote to the person making the post who, afterward, sought anonymity in news coverage. "I guess it's the coward's way to use Facebook instead of an open meeting." Greiger doubled down on his statement. "Just remember: We were all elected. If you don't like how we do things in this awesome village, run against us," Greiger wrote. "Keep stirring the pot."