Fayetteville Planning and Zoning commissioners July 11 heard a proposal to construct an amenity center on 3.12 acres along the Southside Connector, across the street from Clifton Lakes subdivision.

Commissioners did not buy off on developer Scarbrough and Rolader’s idea of having a stop sign installed to facilitate foot traffic between the amenity center and the three subdivisions it will serve.

Previously approved plans call for the center to be located across the road from Clifton Lakes. The center will also serve Logan Parks and Dickson Springs, for a total of approximately 200 homes.

The center will consist of a 1,900 square-foot cabana, swimming pool and playground, along with parking for 22 vehicles. The location for the amenity area had already been approved under an earlier proposal.

Scarbrough and Rolader representative Micah Goodman requested that the commission consider allowing a three-way stop sign and a crosswalk be installed at the center location to reduce the risk of accidents and provide safer access from the subdivisions to the amenity center. Commissioners had a differing view of the issue.

“A stop sign defeats the purpose of the connector,” said Commissioner Allen Feldman. “And a stop sign will be irrelevant.”

Feldman and Commissioner Mike Menchinger suggested that a stop light with a sensor or crossing button might be installed. Menchinger added that a stop sign would back up traffic while a light, especially one with a sensor, would allow for a more even flow of traffic.

“It’s not a great expense to prevent one kid from being hurt,” Feldman said.

Goodman said motorists would become accustomed to a stop sign, while the presence of a traffic light that is only occasionally activated might not draw enough attention to fulfill its purpose.

Citing the tendency of some young children not to look before crossing the street and not always relying on a crosswalk, Menchinger and Commissioner Sarah Murphy held to the idea that a light would be a better choice that a stop sign.

Goodman was asked to consult with the city engineer and return to the regular session in two weeks.

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