PERRYSBURG, Ohio — A potential roundabout in Perrysburg has some funding and is moving to the next step in the process.
However, the project at the intersection of Maumee Western Reserve Road and Front and West Boundary streets has received pushback from residents who say it will increase traffic and destroy the unique historic layout of the neighborhood, among other issues.
"Ultimately, our goal is to make sure that area is the safest for both motorists and for pedestrians," said Perrysburg's Public Information Officer, Marie Dunn.
The city says the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Government approved $4.6 million for the roundabout on Wednesday. That money is 80% of the total funding, but for some residents, a roundabout isn't an easy sell.
"I live on Front Street currently and I think I speak for others when I say it would be an absolute traffic nightmare that we truly don't need," said Deborah Born, a 40-year Perrysburg resident.
The roundabout project started after a number of residents sent the city complaints about safety for pedestrians in the area and how complicated it is to get in and out of Orleans Park, which is about 100 yards west of the intersection.
So, the city had a study done and found a roundabout would be the best solution. Still, officials say everything is in the preliminary stages.
"It would still have to go through a design stage, get public input and take everything into consideration," Dunn said.
According to the city, the earliest construction on a roundabout would begin in 2028. But residents opposing the project say the proposed construction date doesn't matter. They say there still wouldn't be any room for a roundabout and they believe it would make the already bad traffic even worse.
"Perhaps timing the lights better would make more sense at all the intersections," Born said. "Having more police awareness nearby would save a lot of money for taxpayers and would make a lot more sense for them as far as safety goes."
The next step in the project is for Perrysburg City Council to approve the funding of the grant from TMACOG, but as of Wednesday night, there is no date set for when that could happen.
The city told WTOL 11 that it wants to be transparent and residents should expect a release of more information about the project soon.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, roundabouts are safer than traffic signals and stop signs, improve the flow of traffic and are safer for pedestrians.