Dangerous Marlinton Intersections to Receive Stop Signs

Marlinton, WV – After a child was recently struck by a vehicle in a Marlinton alleyway, Marlinton Town Council voted Wednesday evening to place four-way stop signs at two Third Avenue intersections. But council members declined to take any action to slow down traffic in the alleyways.

The new signs will be placed at the intersections of Sixth Street and Third Avenue, as well as Tenth Street and Third Avenue. Town Recorder Robin Mutscheller says she was approached by mothers on the two ends of Third Avenue who told her that speeding vehicles have been a persistent problem on the street.

“I was on the upper end of Third Avenue and was talking with a resident there, and someone went flying down the street like it was a racing track,” says Mutscheller . “I made the comment, man, that person’s going to kill somebody.’ This lady had children, and she was very concerned. She says that it is a problem there all the time.”

Two weeks later Mutscheller says a child was injured in the alley on the opposite end of Third Avenue.

“This occurred near Fas Check,” she says. “Since there’s so much traffic through the Fas Check parking lot and down that alley, perhaps the town would consider putting in a speed bump in the alleyway. The overall intent is to slow people down at the intersections so that children don’t get run over.”

Councilman Joe Smith says he places responsibility with the parents.

“Your kids shouldn’t be playing out in the middle of the road,” Smith says. “I think we have too many stop signs in this town now. When I was a kid, I was not allowed in the road, or I got my fanny beat.”

Mutscheller and Councilman David Zorn counter that speeding motorists are equally at fault. Council approved the motion to add the new stop signs with a 4-to-2 vote, with Smith and Councilman Norris Long casting the opposing votes.
Council members declined to install any speed bumps in the alleys, however, citing concerns about snow removal and compliance with state law. Mutscheller said she would look into the possibility of installing temporary speed bumps and bring the matter before council at a future meeting.

Councilwoman Loretta Malcomb said she wants to clear up misunderstanding about the FEMA grant program to elevate buildings within the town’s floodplain. While town council voted recently not to allow residents to participate in the FEMA buyout program for buildings that see chronic flooding, residents and business owners can still apply for assistance to elevate their homes and buildings. Those interested in the program are encouraged to contact Marlinton Building Inspector Dick Groseclose for more information.

Council tabled action on most of its 21 agenda items until its July meeting. Tabled items include new water rates, the new water and sewer budget, the engineering contract for Postesta Engineering, of Morgantown, for the phosphorus removal project, and a joint subscription with the county to the CodeRED emergency notification system. Council members say they want more time to review the details of these items before taking further action.