A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to traffic calming measures, with an emphasis on identifying suitable strategies for different streets to improve neighborhood safety and manage vehicular behavior effectively. The council reviewed potential designs, such as raised crosswalks and speed humps, which aim to slow down traffic through vertical deflection on roadways. The meeting also introduced concepts like mini roundabouts and gateways, which are being considered for their potential to encourage slower vehicle speeds.

The traffic calming discussion highlighted the use of midblock crosswalks combined with speed humps to maintain target speeds within neighborhoods. Concerns about drivers accelerating after encountering speed humps were addressed by proposing a series of traffic calming strategies designed to promote consistent driving speeds.

Design considerations for mini roundabouts were also discussed, with a focus on accommodating larger vehicles, such as boat trailers and school buses, by utilizing mountable curbs. The safety benefits associated with these traffic calming methods, especially in terms of pedestrian crossings, were emphasized. For instance, bulbouts, which shorten the crossing distance for pedestrians, were highlighted as an effective measure to enhance pedestrian safety.

An educational initiative was introduced, with flyers distributed to neighborhood residents differentiating traffic calming from traffic control measures. The council stressed that stop signs, typically a traffic control measure, should not be confused with traffic calming, as unwarranted stop signs could actually increase danger. The overall goal is to encourage better driving behavior through strategic design rather than relying on signage that requires enforcement.

Another focal point of the meeting was the discussion around the proposed design for a multi-use trail located in the middle of a right-of-way. This design aims to address community concerns regarding the safety of residents living adjacent to trails, as there were anxieties about transient populations utilizing these paths. By placing the trail centrally, it would not directly abut homes, potentially offering homeowners a greater sense of safety. The design includes provisions for middle parking to reduce interruptions to pedestrian and vehicular traffic flows. Suggestions for additional midblock crosswalks were made to enhance safety.

The council addressed the rise in popularity of e-bikes and the need for the trail design to cater to different user groups, including those with low mobility. The concept of “gateways” was also explored for their potential to create a sense of identity and destination in neighborhoods. The discussion touched upon the historical aspects of architectural design from the 1920s, considering how these elements could inform the aesthetic of these gateways.

Community input played a role in shaping the discussions. Residents shared experiences and challenges regarding traffic and street design, seeking solutions to improve the functionality and safety of neighborhood roads. The dialogue covered various topics, from roundabout designs to the feasibility of road connections.

In addition to traffic calming and trail designs, the meeting provided updates on ongoing capital projects, including the El Camino project in Golden Gate and the Golden Gate Neighborhood Improvements. These projects, among others, are progressing, with an emphasis on community engagement and input throughout their development phases. For example, a community event scheduled for October 29 aims to gather feedback on the landscape vision pilot project, with food and giveaways offered to encourage participation.

The meeting also addressed concerns about drainage issues in Jensen Beach and unpaved roads in Hobe Sound. Solutions were proposed, such as installing a storm manhole and inlet to improve drainage, with local businesses responsible for connections to these installations. Collaboration with public works to expedite the paving of 11 roadways, including Eleanor and Hammond, was noted, emphasizing efficiency through partnership.