HOBOKEN — The City of Hoboken, City Attorney Adam Ferrell and the Georgia Department of Transportation are in the early phases of discussion concerning a request to close Church Street.
Mayor Joey Crews and Ferrell informed council members of the discussions during the Tuesday, September 3 meeting at City Hall.
“I’ve been in contact with the local representative for the DOT,” Ferrell said. “He told me he needed an email from the mayor requesting a traffic impact study. The representative said he understands what we’re considering. I’m just waiting to hear back.”
Early discussions are whether to completely close the street to thru traffic down to either at Capitol Street or Floyd Street, or just barricading during Sunday and Wednesday church services.
“It’s a big deal blocking off at the four-lane (Hwy. 82/W. Main Street) right there,” said Crews. “The curbing, gutter and sidewalks would have to be redone. They (DOT) really don’t want to do it (barricade) every Sunday and Wednesday. They don’t mind once in a while, but constantly would be a problem.”
Ferrell said he presented the two options to the DOT.
“I told the representative the council was approached with the option of barricading Church Steet during church hours on Sundays and Wednesdays, or perhaps just closing it off entirely,” the attorney said. “He said either could potentially effect traffic on the highway so they (DOT) wants to look at it.
“He didn’t say it couldn’t be done, but they needed to look at it. This is something that was done in another local community. We’ll probably here back soon from somebody at the regional or district level.”
Ferrell added the request was in the investigative phase and had not committed to anything.
Other agenda items discussed/ voted on during the meeting were:
• Hoboken Police Department: Police Chief Jonathan McMillan said HPD officers maed 45 traffic stops during the month of August with 20 citations issued (20 speeding, one child safety restraint, two reckless driving, one uninsured motorists, six other citations) to go with 25 warnings.
Officers worked two vehicle accidents, responded to 31 mutual aid calls and filed one miscellanious report.
McMillan reminded the council of the Saturday, September 21 annual Hoboken Safety Day from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
The chief also informed the council he will be hosting the Governor’s Highway Safety Day at the Community Center Thursday, September 26. McMillan said some training will be conducted as well as road checks.
• Hoboken VFD: McMillan gave the report in the absence of Fire Chief Ricky Floyd.
The Hoboken Volunteer Fire Department responded to two medical fires, one brush fire, three structure fires and one Code Red (medical).
“I would like for y’all to pray for all these families in our communities and all our first responders,” McMillan said to the council.
• Community Center: Mayor Crews updated council members o the Community Center now having WiFI.
He also said the center is pretty much booked up to the end of the year. The mayor stated the electrical bill for running the air conditioning has been a high cost.
Crews mentioned a possible raise on rental fees may need to be discussed later. The cost is currently $250 as of May 2024 with a $100 deposit for cleaning.
• New engineering firm: The mayor, City Clerk Linda Henderson and the Public Works superintendent met with Statewide Engineering executives to discuss a possible working relationship at the beginning of 2025.
“They have a new engineer who lives right in Hoboken,” said Mayor Crews. “They (Statewide Engineers) also don’t charge an annual fee. They used to do work for the City of Hoboken years ago. They said they would be glad to come sit and talk to y’all (council).”
• 2024 audit: The mayor said the audit is complete the City awaiting DOA approval.
