NILES – During a city council meeting Wednesday, Niles Law Director Philip Zuzolo explained the reasoning behind an ordinance to install a guardrail at the intersection of Robbins and Hartzell avenues.

The proposal, which had its second reading, is part of a response to repeated traffic accidents affecting nearby properties that have reportedly been damaged over the years due to vehicles being unable to turn onto the lane. curve.

According to Zuzolo, residents have reported multiple accidents in which vehicles left the road and hit nearby properties.

“Drivers leave Hartzell and if they are distracted or intoxicated, they often fail to turn onto Robbins.” Zuzolo said.

Some incidents date back 10 years, and more recent events since 2017 include one in which a vehicle directly damaged the home.

City officials initially sought guidance from the Ohio Department of Transportation, which recommended signs, such as double arrow indicators, as a first step. However, after consulting with ODOT and considering other protective structures such as bollards (steel posts), officials decided that a guardrail might be more effective.

“ODOT opposed the use of bollards in this situation and recommended instead starting with signage and, if problems persisted, consider moving toward a guardrail.” Zuzolo said.

The city also considered the potential liability of installing bollards against ODOT recommendations.

“While ODOT is the state expert and we are not required to follow their advice, it is a best practice to align with their guidance.” Zuzolo said. “ODOT recommended we start with signs and if that doesn’t solve the problem, we will move to a guardrail, which should provide more effective protection.”

Some council members expressed hesitation about bypassing the signage stage and going directly to a railing. Still, Zuzolo cautioned that a guardrail would substantially comply with ODOT safety recommendations and limit the city’s liability exposure. The ordinance is expected to continue advancing through the council as officials evaluate the best long-term solution to improve safety at the intersection.

Council members held a brief executive session at 6:06 p.m. to discuss the city seal ordinance and returned approximately 15 minutes later. After the session, the council took action to pass several important ordinances, including measures to control illicit discharges and illegal connections, repeal and recreate the city’s stormwater management control standards, establish updated standards for the control of erosion and sediment during soil-disturbing activities, and funds appropriated from the general fund for a city-funded business grant program to support community economic development.