Northwood News ♦ October 2005

Hannes Street Traffic Update

By Murray F. Scher

Good news:  our plans are working toward possible speed bumps or lumps on Hannes Street, school caution signs, speed signs, and possibly a four-way stop sign at Hannes Street and Edgewood Avenue.  However, no promises have been made, or will be made, until final studies by the county.  Finally, a meeting with residents and county engineers will take place for discussion of the final plan.  This will take time; patience will be required.

We are fortunate to have an understanding and caring county engineer, Ms. Marcy Katzman, of Montgomery County Traffic Control.  She understands our problems and will be involved in future studies.

It took months to put together but we have accomplished a community togetherness for the future safety of our children and our residents.  We have agreement and encouraging letters and Emails from:  Silver Spring Day Care Center; Young Israel Shomrai Emunah Nursery School; Forest Knolls Elementary School PTA Association; residents on Hannes Street, Hannes Court, Northwood Avenue, Cavalier Drive, and Marvin Road.  Copies of all letters — and some photos of traffic problems — have been hand-carried, mailed, and e-mailed to Ms. Katzman.  She and I also have had telephone conversations and discussions.

Coming in the near future,the real test, when Forest Knolls Elementary will finish construction, more students will fill the new classrooms, more parents will use Hannes Street to bring their children (a.m.) and pick up their children (p.m.), plus the additional parking that will be needed for the new teachers and employees who need parking.

Residents on Hannes Street may find cars parked on both sides of their driveways, making it difficult to see their way out onto the street to avoid accidents.  Hannes Street, being only three cars wide with parking on both sides of the street, does become a bottleneck.  Cars have to stop at the top or the bottom of the street (especially during school) to let a car get through first so that other cars can continue on, and that includes mail delivery vehicles, ambulances, and fire trucks.

Studies are in the making.  Final results may take time.

Comments, pro or con, are always welcome.

[For more information, or to help, call Murray Scher (contact details redacted).]   ■