Starkville City Hall
The city of Starkville is continuing its tactical urbanism push through the use of traffic calming devices on both Willow Road and Critz Street.
Mayor Lynn Spruill said the reason for introducing the devices in the different neighborhoods, is to slow down speed traffic on Critz Street and to reduce cut through traffic on Willow Street.
The devices are disguised as planters, so community members who live in the neighborhood can plant flowers to beautify the area.
"That was the whole intent, is you've got something that is temporary, that can be evaluated, can be adjusted, shifted or removed all together if it doesn't work, or if it doesn't solve the concerns of the neighborhood," Spruill said.
Spruill said residents were surprised when they were first placed in the area.
She said it's possible the communication between those living in the neighborhood was not clear, but she also urged citizens to read notices thoroughly when they are sent to homes.
Due to the temporary nature and ease to move the devices, Spruill said they have already made adjustments to make the devices more effective.
"When they were initially set up on Critz, they were not well placed in a sense that the garbage trucks could not make a turn without hitting them," Spruill said. "We appreciate that feedback, because it allowed us to reevaluate, which is the whole purpose."
The planters were moved to allow fire and sanitation trucks to turn with ease.
Moving forward, Spruill asks for those in the area to feel them out, and to let the city know their thoughts and what impact they've had.
"Now it's just a matter of having a little patience," Spruill said.
Spruill said the the installment is a "wait and see" kind of project, before a more permanent structure is installed.
Spruill said if pedestrian traffic continues to be limited based on the behavior of the drivers, then the city could look at installing perhaps a three or four way stop.
"We're trying to keep people cognizant of the fact that it is a residential neighborhood," Spruill said. "We're trying to do other things first that are more attractive and less invasive."