A stop sign is needed on 15th Street at Prairie. The Village of Wilmette conducted a traffic study last fall and determined that there is not enough auto traffic to warrant a stop sign under the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). We think this is short-sighted since the MUTCD doesn’t factor in pedestrian volume, of which there is an abundance of kids going to school and the local parks and commuters heading to the Metra. In addition, this is an odd shaped intersection and we have seen many near misses as drivers and pedestrians navigate each other.

The Wilmette Transportation Commission will consider the stop sign request at the Monday 6/23 meeting so we would like a show of support from the community!

We need a stop sign since:

· There is high pedestrian traffic and both cars and people are confused as to who has the right of way: Given Vattman Park, commuters walking to the train, children walking to McKenzie, kids running to practice in the Vattman fields (especially in the evening) and kids heading home from Howard Park after football and baseball there are a lot of people crossing 15th Street.

·Vattman Park was remodeled a few years ago and is very popular. On sunny days the park is mobbed with families, especially little ones that can be unpredictable when crossing 15th Street.

· Obstructed view: 15th Street fills with parked cars so it is hard for drivers to see kids darting from Vattman Park and those standing at the corner waiting to cross. In addition, with Prairie coming in at a weird angle, it is a unique and confusing intersection for people.

· High car traffic: 15th Street is used as a cut through from Green Bay to Wilmette Ave by many people, especially given that Park has select hours where that option isn't available. In addition, in the mornings and afternoons car traffic for school drop off/pick up creates a dangerous situation as kids walking to and from school navigate 15th Street.

Please support this petition and share it with others! We are hopeful that clear heads will prevail and a stop sign will be installed.