From: Mary Margaret [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Wednesday, May 11, 2005 12:28 PM
To: Town Council
Cc: Kumar Neppalli; [email protected]; Moses Carey; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; Bernard Leach; Kathryn Spatz; [email protected]; Curis, James; Anthony R. Jeffreys; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]
Subject: Meadowmont soccer field parking issues specific to 300 block of Parkridge Avenue
Dear Mayor Foy & Town Council Members:
I respectfully request your help in determining a viable solution to the dangerous vehicular situation that exists within the 300 block of Parkridge Avenue in Meadowmont. This area has become a parking, waiting,drop off, pick up area for all those using the Meadowmont athletic/soccer fields. The children and families that reside in the 300 block of Parkridge Avenue are in dyer need of signage that prohibits these dangerous practices. The 300 block of Parkridge Avenue is a very small street. There are 22 children that live on Parkridge Avenue directly atop the Meadowmont soccer field. NIneteen of the children are under the age of 9. The combination of the current driving/parking practices described below are an accident waiting to happen!
As background information, the 300 block of Parkridge Avenue sits directly above the Meadowmont soccer field in Chapel Hill. The field abuts a Meadowmont owned and maintained small park with benches and picnic tables. Parkridge Avenue dissects the houses (without sidewalks) opposite the field from the Meadowmont park and athletic/soccer fields. It is a very narrow street measuring 26 feet across. If cars/ SUVs are parked on both sides it takes a skilled driver to maneuver between both vehicles while continuing to watch for pedestrian traffic. There are BLIND curves on Parkridge Avenue as you are entering the street from either end. If driving fast, it is not only hard to negotiate the curves but also delays the response time of an average driver who suddenly spots a child crossing the street. With cars parking for both soccer practices and games almost every night of the week it creates a hazardous situation, potentially deadly, when a small child tries to cross the street to get to his/home. Remember, there are 22 children that live on Parkridge Avenue directly atop the Meadowmont soccer field.
Additionally, those patrons of the soccer field who don't find parking are apt to drive around the circle either looking for parking or trying to watch their child practice or play while they are operating a vehicle. How can they watch their child and look out for our children as well? Those who aren't successful in finding parking continue to drive around the circle many times either waiting for practice to end or hoping a spot will open up. Some patrons, both players and parents of players use our circle as a drop off to the soccer field. They drive quickly into the circle, drop off, and then drive quickly off. Their minds are most likely on getting their child to the game/ practice on time. This is an extremely dangerous practice when you consider the blind curves and width of the street. Not to mention, there are 22 children that live on Parkridge Avenue directly atop the Meadowmont soccer field.
It was the understanding of the Meadowmont Community Association and the residents of Parkridge Avenue that all athletic field parking would be directed to Rashkis Elementary school which is located adjacent to the field. There is a direct walkway from the school parking lot to the field. The access from Parkridge Avenue was intended for Meadowmont residents to reach the field.
I have had conversations with the following individuals. Many have witnessed the driving/ parking problem firsthand. They have done their best to encourage parking at Rashkis Elementary and I believe genuinely have the best interest of the children on Parkridge in mind. This email is not intended to speak for them but to publically THANK them for doing their best to help in this difficult situation.
Moses Carey, Meadowmont resident & Chairman, Orange County Commissioners
David Hill, President, Meadowmont Community Association
Vickie Brawley, Rainbow Soccer
Dave Gunnels, Chapel Hill United
Pete Sadin, Triangle Football
Bernard Leach, Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation
Jim Wiley, Beacon-Street Partners, formerly of East West Partners, Meadowmont Development
Officer A. R. Jeffreys, Town of Chapel Hill Police Department
As a parent living on Parkridge Avenue I implore you to act quickly to resolve this situation...before it is too late. Please do not hesitate. Do not wait for the inevitable accident that will occur if this situation is not rectified. Please use your powers to help us and the 22 children living on the 300 block of Parkridge Avenue in Meadowmont.
Sincerely,
Mary Margaret Carroll
305 Parkridge Avenue, Meadowmont
Meadowmont Board Member
David Hill
105 Weaver Mine Trail
Meadowmont, Meadowmont Community Association
Moses Carey
203 Simerville Avenue, Meadowmont
Chairman, Orange County Commissioners