Cable Road Project

Concerned the one-lane plan would slow emergency response to the Sherwood neighborhood, pointing to a recent water main break as a preview of the traffic impact.

The American Township trustee called the project a bad idea overall and urged council to listen to constituents and send the issue to the ballot.

The township trustee said Cable Road needs repair but warned a single lane plus a signal near the railway creates safety problems, including emergency vehicles crossing into oncoming traffic around a proposed crosswalk.

The township road superintendent cited ODOT counts showing the southbound lane carries the heaviest traffic, argued center medians reduce crashes, and asked council to keep two full lanes while still improving safety.

Smith warned the new design could hinder u-turns and emergency vehicles, said it will make business and employment access harder, and urged council to get the decision right — while also asking about the stolen Observatory telescope.