A Case For A Roundabout
Roundabouts are an important design element of the English Garden City. In fact, the Village Square was once a roundabout before traffic signals. So why not consider one to improve the complicated sixway intersection at Murray and Plainville?
After examining the four alternatives (no build, four way stop, four way signal and roundabout). Studied by KZF at the request of the Village, a roundabout is the most effective solution to the traffic back-up problem. The reason my company wants to address this issue is twofold. The final phase of our development in Mariemont is directly across from the tennis courts and the front door of this project is a parking lot of cars on Madisonville Road during the morning rush hour. Secondly, if my company pursues an apartment community in Madison Place, it will be designed to create a village atmosphere with buildings close to the street. The afternoon back up on Plainville negatively impacts this site as well.
The benefits of a roundabout to the residents of Mariemont are many. The roundabout extends the 20 mph school zone on both Plainville and Madisonville roads restricting the speed by the way it’s designed, adds green space to Mary Emery Park by moving Madisonville Road north, solves the bike path route through the intersection and provides a clear and safe pedestrian crossing for both north/south and east/west directions. The roundabout would also create a beautiful gateway on the north side of Mariemont at no cost to the Village.
The roundabout will attract additional investment in the Madison Place neighborhood and stabilize the property values on the northern boarder of Mariemont. New residents will be within walking distance of the Village quare and will have disposable income to support the new theatre expansion, restaurants, shops and services.
The total real estate valuation of our four phases in Mariemont will be $68 million when we are sold out. The new real estate taxes to the Village and the School District, along with the spending of the new residents have been very beneficial to Mariemont. Simple put, the roundabout promotes new development and progress. Sincerely,
Richard J. Greiwe
Greiwe Development
In the Enquirer on Sunday it was noted by the Butler County Engineer Greg Williams that five roundabouts have been built in Butler County since 2008 with a “reduced accident rate and improved efficiency.”