Every day, my family and I witness the fast-paced change in our Windy Hill neighborhood.  The place we all call home, previously a peaceful and secure abode, has recently become exposed to traffic hazards due to new developments along Rt 30 and Windy Hill Drive.

With the addition of an assisted living facility and the future construction of the new Par and Plate along Windy Hill Drive, an influx of traffic, patrons, and transient visitors is inevitable. This increase not only threatens the safety of our roads with speeding vehicles but also raises the risk of accidents involving intoxicated patrons and unfamiliar visitors.  To provide a traffic study indicating the increase in traffic is only one percent is not only absurd, but it is extremely misrepresentative of the high level of speeding that occurs through this thoroughfare that connects to Pfieffer Rd.

According to a recent community traffic survey, vehicle flow has surged by over 25% since the establishment of these facilities, and projections indicate a potential doubling with the new restaurant yet to open. This situation doesn't just pose a risk to vehicle operators themselves, but it significantly endangers our children, seniors, and pedestrians.

Currently, Windy Hill Drive lacks proper traffic control measures to accommodate such an increase in volume. Traffic calmers like speed bumps or rumble strips are absent; there is minimal signage to guide the influx of new visitors regarding speed limits or pedestrian crossings, and there was no explanation by either facility why IDOT could not construct entrances and exits along Rt 30 instead of Windy Hill Drive. This negligence could cost lives, prompt property damage, and absolutely degrade the quality of life in what was once a serene neighborhood.

We propose a simple, yet effective solution: seal off a portion of Windy Hill Drive at strategic points, creating a safe barrier to our neighborhood through the use of a dead end or cul-de-sac. This would not only limit the amount of transient traffic speeding through, but also reroute speeding or intoxicated drivers to safer, non-residential thoroughfares.

Given that traffic accidents are one of the leading causes of injury in residential areas, with a reported 1 in 4 pedestrian fatalities occurring in neighborhood zones according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, it is vital we take action.

Together, through sealing part of this road, we can reinforce the safety of our beloved Windy Hill neighborhood, minimize unnecessary through traffic, and return peace to our streets. Let's protect our community by showing support for this measure.

Please sign this petition to ensure our neighborhood remains a safe haven for all residents.