Dear Meadow Park Homeowners and Renters,

The City of Claremont is evaluating a proposal to modify the traffic signal at Towne Ave. and Base Line Rd. with the aim of reducing accidents. The main change involves converting the westbound left turn signal to a protected green arrow only, eliminating the permissive phase of the signal, which is intended to improve safety. However, the plan also includes removing the tree-lined median in front of our community to more than triple the length of the present left turn lane, based on a single simulation that predicted left turn traffic on some days at certain times might be increased. 

While the intention is to enhance traffic flow, removing the 14-tree median raises significant concerns. Medians are crucial traffic calming features that slow speeding and reduce head-on collisions. Eliminating our median could actually make the intersection more dangerous. Additionally, the current plan neglects the impact on Meadow Park and the traffic flow at our community’s two entrances. The proposal also suggests prohibiting U-turns at the intersection, which would only push those turns downstream, potentially causing drivers to perform riskier turns in front of our community and/or use our community’s entrances as turnaround spots.

We believe the City of Claremont should reassess the current proposal before proceeding. Alternative solutions could improve intersection safety without the negative impacts of the current plan. If you share these concerns, please sign this petition.

City Councilman Corey Calaycay, who also lives on Base Line Rd., has been met with several members of our community on this issue.  As our neighbor, he understands our concerns and along with Greg Glass, our former HOA president who also sits on a City Commission, he has encouraged us to voice our opinions at upcoming City meetings.

The next relevant City meetings are:

 

Community and Human Services Commission Meeting: 

September 4, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.

 

General City Council Meeting:

September 10, 2024, at 6:30 p.m.

Both meetings will be held at City Hall in downtown Claremont. Attendees will have three minutes to speak. Your presence and participation are appreciated!

If we don’t act soon, the project may be approved as is and the median removal could begin by year’s end. This is our opportunity to make a difference—please join us in advocating for a safer and more thoughtful solution!

Sincerely,

Derek F. O'Reilly-Jones
President, Meadow Park Homeowners Association