Oaks Neighborhood Rep Asks for Update on Station Ave. Speed Limit

It’s a private road, but if Audubon Land Development (ALD) gives the go ahead and the township agrees, Station Avenue might have enforced speed limits.

However, that can’t happen until the developer of the 422 Business Center signs on to it, Oaks resident Adam Williams was told at the Upper Providence Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday evening.

Williams said that the Oaks Neighborhood Association spoke to ALD about putting up 35-mile-per-hour speed limit signs on Station Avenue, which is a private road inside the 422 Business Center. Williams explained the road is being used more and more frequently.

He called the road a “major thoroughfare and artery” and urged the board to help encourage ALD to erect signs and allow for enforcement on the private road. Williams said while he understood the process and what had to be done, he was hoping for quicker action.

“It’s probably one of the top busier roads in our township,” Williams said.

“And right now it’s private,” Solicitor Ed Skypala responded.

Williams asked if the township had an update on the progress.

“At the last meeting [ALD] was not willing to grant permission, but they were moving forward with a traffic study,” Barker said.

Barker explained that ALD is having a private traffic study done. The township engineer must review the traffic study, and the study will determine what the speed limit is. ALD must then give the township permission to enforce the set speed limits, and the township can choose to pass an ordinance allowing the police to go after speeders.

“It’s not fast food,” Police Chief Don Sherid said. “This is a process. It’s up to the board if they’re going to approve it.”

The board, however, can’t approve enforcement until ALD gives permission.

“I’m not here for personal agenda,” Williams said. “We’d like to make sure that there’s safety looked out for in the neighborhood.”

Skypala said the township has no right to put up signs and conduct enforcement on the private Station Avenue. Sherid said the developer has no obligation to allow police to enforce a speed limit on the road.

Williams said he understood, but hoped the township could step in and hurry the process along.

“I’d like to see more follow up done, bringing this issue to the table and not just something that’s in the hands of the neighbors to deal with,” Williams said.

Skypala said staff and board members have met with ALD representatives and raised the issue.

“I think that’s all they can do,” Skypala said.