COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

BACKGROUND:

The residents of Westover Drive in the Lake Albemarle subdivision have requested a child-at-play sign (Attachment A). There are approximately 30 homes on Westover Drive with 34 children.  Westover Drive is approximately three-quarters of a mile long. VDOT requires a resolution of support from the Board of Supervisors.  The Board of Supervisors approved the placement of a child at play sign for Lake Albemarle Road in 2004. 

STRATEGIC PLAN:

3.1 Make the County a Safe and Healthy Community in which citizens feel secure to live, work and play.

DISCUSSION: The County has developed criteria for reviewing a “Child at Play” request. The criteria and staff comments are provided below.

1. “Child At Play” signs shall only be considered on secondary roads.

Westover Drive is in the Secondary Road System (Route 1701).

2. The request must come from a Homeowner’s Association where applicable.

Please find attached a letter from the residents of Westover Drive.

3. There must be child activity attraction nearby for the sign to be considered.  

Westover Drive is a cul-de-sac. There is no established tot lot, playground or sidewalk on Westover Drive. Due to these absences, the children that live on this road often have to walk and/or pedal in the street to other homes that may have a swing or court. Due to absence of sidewalks, children have to walk in the street. According to the request letter, 34 children live on this road. Staff believes that “Child at Play” signs will give notice to the traveling public that children may be in the area and using the road to get from one home to another. The average cost to install a sign is approximately $125.  

4. The installation of the sign shall not conflict with any existing traffic control devices. The proposed location of the signs will not conflict with any existing traffic control devices.

This request meets 3 of the 4 criteria.  There are no central child activity attraction areas along the road (criteria 3).  However, given the number of children in the neighborhood and the lack of sidewalks, it is staff’s opinion that this request for a “Child at Play” sign has merit.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Staff recommends the Board of Supervisors adopt the attached (Attachment B) resolution supporting the installation of “Child at Play” signs on Westover Drive.

ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: Resolution from residents requesting a Child at Play Sign
Attachment B: Resolution authorizing
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