votercam

Recent Buzz and VoterCam 101

Votercam gets some buzz in Cincinnati Post by Joe Wessels. I hope it draws other interested parties to this concept.  The still-unfolding Mt. Adams speedbump episode, Wessels writes, "offers a glimpse of how citizens interact with their government in the future."  Even before this article, I'm encouraged to note that at least one prominent elected official has already gone out of his/her (I won't say) to explore whether there's a  "bigger idea" here.

One key correction to the story: we're far from having speedbumps in Mt. Adams.  The city briefly put up a "Speed Sign" and one of the very helpful transportation folks said they are open to permanent speed signs in a couple areas. I and most neighbors (especially those with kids) still feel strongly about speedbumps, but progress is progress.  If anyone reading this post is interested in turning votercam.com into a bigger idea, send e-mail to Pete Blackshaw or Erika Brown  or just leave a comment below. For those who are reading this for the first time, here link the various community feedback about the initial concept of speedbumps, including at least one person who strongly disagrees with the concept.  I'm also reposting the initial video at the top here.   

The City Responds

Here's a status report. First, a most enthusiastic thanks to City Councilmember David Crowley. He was the only elected official to respond to our appeal, and he did so almost immediately, encouraging key city officials to look into this matter.  It's clear that speed bumps will require some additional lobbying, but the good news is that the city is being responsive.  Earlier today, this sign was placed on Carney Street.  It automatically reports car speed. A big help, but probably just for the short term.  As for permanent signs, I talked to the main guy from the city, and they will be putting up permanent speed signs in key locations.  We just need to give him input on the most ideal location. More updates soon, but a sincere thanks to all the local residents who reached out to help, offered testimonials, etc.  More to come.   

A Second Appeal for Carney St. Speed Bumps, Mt. Adams

VoterCam Proposal:  Speed-Bumps on Mt. Adams.  Please leave comments below, and take a quick moment to fill out this survey so we can follow up with you.Click here to take survey

Rationale:  Cars are getting side swiped and residents, including children, are at risk of being hit as vehicles fly down the hill, especially on Carney Street which winds around the corner from Pavilion on a steep downward grade.

Recent Painpoint: This weeked our Honda Civic Hybrid, equiped with two child seats for our twins, was severly damaged by a reckless driver, presumably drunk, who side-swiped the car at 1:30 AM.  A witness saw the driver, a relatively young white woman driving a white four-door sedan, speed down Carney from the Mt. Adams bar district, hit our car, and then immediately flee the scene of the accident.   This is the third time one of our cars has been damaged by cars speeding down the hill.  Many other residents have expressed similar frustration.

Next Steps: 

• Letters will be sent to City Councilman David Crowley, Mayor Mark Mallory, and the Police Liason for Mt. Adams urging that speed bumps be put on Carney. 
• A petition will be shared among local residents to build support for speed bumps.
• The issue will be raised at the next Mt. Adam's Civic Association Meeting

Speed-Bumps: Potential Solution

Here's a satellite image of Mt. Adams and particularly Carney St. (courtesy of Google Earth) plus several proactive recommendations for addressing the issue.

Speed-Bumps: Mapping the Problem

Carney Needs Speed Bumps...NOW!

Welcome to VoterCam

VoterCam is all about giving citizens a more active role in the decision making process.  We prime the issue that bureaucrats typically ignore.

Welcome to VoterCam!

We are proud homeowners here in Mt. Adams.   We are also proud parents, and were recently blessed with twins, Liam and Leila. We look forward to raising them in this great neighborhood.  Like so many parents on the hill, we are deeply concerned by the speeding which occurs on our streets, especially in the late hours by visitors departing the Mt. Adam bar scene.  Just last week, for example, a car side-swiped the one of the cars we use everyday to transport our kids to day care.  The entire mirror was destroyed and the car still has a noticeable dent.  This has occurred several times in recent years, and it seem like everyone on the hill has a similar story.  We are particular concerned that Carney Street is a primary exit path for late night visitors, and that the street makes a sharp turn left at the bottom of a steep grade.

What We Propose:  We’d like the community residents to consider two important steps, and we will invest whatever time and energy is necessary to convince you that this is a “win-win” for the entire community.  We also welcome your help and assistance.

• Speed Bumps:  The time is now to seriously consider speed-bumps on some of our streets, particularly Carney.  Other neighborhoods like Hype Park have successfully implemented speed bumps, and there is no question in our mind that this will be an important deterrent to reckless, unsafe driving down our hill.

• Slow Children at Play Signs:   So many parents have elected to remain in the neighborhood versus moving out the suburbs, including the many parents who fought successfully to “Save Our Pool.”  We strongly recommend that the community consider “Slow Children at Play” signs in select areas.

• Next Steps You can help us in the campaign in the following ways.  1. Send us an email at Blackshaw@gmail.com or Erikaleebrown@yahoo.com to indicate your support for our efforts, plus any suggestions.  2. Visit the new website we are building, www.votercam.com, and watch the video describing the issue and problem at hand.  Please also leave a testimonial or comment in support of the cause. 3. Join our next organizing committee.  We’ll be announcing this soon.