Renovations are planned for Yankee Street from Spring Valley Pike to Leona Lane without much update to its current dangerous design. Now is the time to ask for a safer, Complete Streets design for everyone who walks, canes, bikes, rolls, or drives on Yankee.

If residents do not comment, the project will move forward with only minimal pedestrian improvements despite the $2.5M investment. Modern paint designs will not increase the cost of this project and will reduce the $800k that we currently spend each year on accident and emergency response costs.

What neighbors should ask for. . .

• Narrower lane widths to reduce speeding and make the street feel safer.

• 12 ft lanes, like those on I-675 and Yankee St, support 65-75mph; 11 ft lanes support 40-50 mph; 10 ft lanes support 35-45 mph. Ask for 10 ft lanes.

• Safe, marked crossings at all intersections so people can reach parks, homes, and nearby destinations without long detours.

• A connected 11 ft multi-use path to fill gaps in the sidewalk.

• Low-cost safety changes now—such as re-striping, refuge space, and better pedestrian signals—instead of waiting for a larger future project.

Why this matters. . . 

The official project summary says they will do some minor cosmetic design changes, other than that it will be the same dangerous street it is today.

A safer street would help neighbors meet with each other, reach parks, nearby businesses, transit stops, and homes more comfortably—not just by car, but also on foot, by bike, wheelchair, or with an E-mobility device.

How to comment. . . 

Please contact Cameron Speare at the Engineer’s office today and ask for a safer Yankee Street design. Phone: (937) 225-4621  Email: spearec@mcohio.org.

Sample message: “I support the Yankee Street project, but I want it to include safer lane widths, better crossings, and continuous pedestrian access so the corridor works for everyone.”

Please comment now—the design choices made here will shape Yankee Street for years to come.