Bancroft St. in Ottawa Hills to keep 35 mph speed limit

The speed limit on Bancroft Street in Ottawa Hills will remain as it is even though some residents on that street asked that the limit be lowered.

After the Village Council split 3-3 last night on whether to reduce the limit from 35 mph to 25 mph, Mayor Kevin Gilmore voted against the change, saying he believed such a move could push more traffic onto Indian Road.

Mr. Gilmore acknowledged that Bancroft Street residents complained of drivers exceeding the 35 mph limit but said statistics show only a small percentage go above 40 mph.

In Ottawa Hills, the speed limit on Bancroft is 35 mph except for the 25 mph limit along the stretch where Richards Road and Talmadge Road meet Bancroft.

Jack Straub, a council member who voted against the change, said that to comply with state law, the council would have to declare that Bancroft is not a through street, which he termed "somewhat ridiculous."

In addition to Mr. Straub, council members Julia Trickey and Rex Decker voted against the change.

Voting in favor of the change were Mark Stegeman, Jeff Gibbs, and Robert Reichert.

Mr. Gilmore said the village would increase enforcement efforts on Bancroft. If speeding continues to be a problem for residents, he said council would look at the issue again.