May 25, 2010

Capitol Drive Overpass Gets New Signage

There has been serious concern by residents about the narrow overpass on Capitol Drive that crosses Hwy 41.

As a background, the State of Wisconsin recently repaired and raised the overpass, and in the process, created a narrowed road. The road was left with less than one foot for pedestrians to cross.  With the additional height to the overpass, the line of sight is blocked to the oncoming traffic. 

The Grand Chute Town Board recently approved the placement of additional signs at the base of the Capitol Dr. overpass.  New signage is going to include notification of pedestrians and alert drivers there is no shoulder.  This particular overpass links two residential areas and access to the Fox River Mall area. While the signage is a great improvement, drivers to be cautious as well.

Globe University Builds in Grand Chute

Glove University will start construction on a two-story, 31,000 sq. ft. building in Grand Chute off Grand Market Drive. The Minnesota-based university has campus locations in Wisconsin and Minnesota as well. According to their Web site, Globe University has this to say:
  • Our students: Working parents, young adults, international students, military personnel and other students share a common commitment to career education.
  • Our programs: Nearly 40 master’s, bachelor’s and associate degree, diploma and certificate programs meet students’ needs at various points in their careers.
  • Our national accreditation: As an accredited member of ACICS, we demonstrate our commitment to excellence in higher education.
  • Our mission: "We Care" describes the whole-team support each student receives from admission through graduation.
The university hopes to be open for fall semester.

Nature's Lane Trail Nearing Completion

The asphalt trail and approaches to the boardwalk have been installed. Landscaping is scheduled for completion this week. Residents reported some minor vandalism, ie. spray paint on the boardwalk and children's toys a few weeks ago. Since then, residents have been in contact with the Grand Chute Police Department and are in the process of establishing a Neighborhood Watch. Police have also offered to provide outdoor premises security reviews for the properties abutting the trail.

FVTC Report to the Community.

Last week, Fox Valley Technical College had their Annual Report to the Community. There were several representatives from local businesses in attendance. A panel of these business representatives discuss the specific training and benefits that they have received through programming held and scheduled through FVTC. Dr. May reported that enrollment at FVTC has increased 16% in the last year. They currently offer welding classes in Oshosh that are held around the clock in one of the technical labs. Welding classes are held until 2AM! This is one of the was they are dealing with the increased enrollment and limited space they have available. Increased tuition has also increased the State revenues that come into the College.

May 6, 2010

Town Board meeting rescheduled

Last week's Town Board meeting has been scheduled to resume on Tuesday, May 11 at 7pm. I will post a link to the agenda when it is up on GrandChute.net web site

May 5, 2010

Town Board meeting interrupted

Last night's Town Board meeting was interrupted due to Tornado warnings. The Board took a recess and will reconvene, hopefully within the next week.

May 4, 2010

Underage Compliance Checks continue improving

The Grand Chute Police department conducted underage compliance checks at 70 establishments in Grand Chute during the month of April. The rate of failure continues to drop significantly. Four percent of the establishments served an underage person compared to nine percent during September's compliance check. This was down from a 2008 failure rate of 40%. The results will be further discussed at tonight's town board meeting.

May 3, 2010

Speed Study findings for CTH JJ between Meade and French Road

Both Grand Chute and the city of Appleton requested Outagamie County conduct a speed study on CTH JJ between Meade St. and French Road. Speed limits range from 45 to 55 mph. on this stretch and the highway is adjacent to both Fox Valley Lutheran and North High Schools. A specific change was not requested. However, there has been concern that the existing speed limits are too high. The Outagamie County Highway and Solid Waste Committee approved the requested study.

Two separate speed collection locations were selected to collect data regarding how motorist currently are using the roadway. Evaluating the data collected between Ballard Road and 1,300' east (the existing 45 mph zone) 85% of the vehicles traveled at 53 MPH, and fall within statewide guidelines indicating that 45 MPH is appropriate.

Data was also collected between 1,300'east of Ballard Road and French Road (the existing 55MPH zone. 85% of the vehicles traveled at 59 MPH, and statewide guidelines indicate that the 55 MPH speed zone is appropriate and should remain unchanged. Comparing nearby roadways having similar cross section and development density, it was found that roadways having similar characteristics were posted at 45 MPH and 55 MPH which support the existing speed limits.

A three year crash history found 15 reported accidents occurred. Five crashes resulted in injuries with the remaining crashes resulting in property damage only. All reported accidents in the study segment involved persons over the age of 35. No pedestrian or speed related accidents were identified over the three year crash history.

After reviewing the statutory limitations and the information gathered in the speed study, the statewide guidelines do not support changing the existing speed zones.

However, the Deputy Highway Commissioner recommends that the school district and the City of Appleton investigate the addition of pedestrian accommodations that would allow for a safe crssing on CTH JJ between North High School and the gas station.