Greeley Tribune, Colo., Action Line column [Greeley Tribune, Colo.]

Sept. 30--QUESTION -- We live on 5th Street Road, a little spur off of 4th Street, which is often used as way for people to avoid the intersection at 35th Avenue to get to 4th Street. But people who use this road often drive fast, and they do not notice the many children who often play in the street. I'm afraid this is tempting fate and a child may be hurt soon. Can't the city put in a speed bump, or "Children at Play" signs or couldn't the police just police it better?

ANSWER -- After studying the issue a few years ago, the city of Greeley opted to end its "traffic calming" efforts through Greeley. They found that "speed humps" only slowed people down at the hump, but they would speed the rest of the way to make up for lost time. City snowplows and emergency vehicles also have a tough time negotiating them.

Public Works Director Joel Hemesath said putting up signs typically gives people a false sense of security; if they drive through and never see children, they don't change their habits.

But, he said, the section is now on the city's radar, and he can do a speed study in the area to determine if traffic is a problem. He said there are some things the city can do in terms of striping to help if there is an issue.

Meanwhile, check to see if there isn't an increased police presence.

We called Sgt. Susan West of the Greeley Police Department who said she would notify the patrol division about your concerns, so by today, hopefully, you should see more patrols.

West said it is not illegal for people to use streets like yours as a bypass, but they can be policed for speeding and other traffic hazards.

"We'll see whether we can't get people to slow down out there," West said. "If they don't think they're getting a response from the police, they can always talk to a traffic supervisor."

QUESTION -- We were told that you shouldn't buy veggies from the farmers market because they could have come from the contaminated flood area. How do we know the veggies are safe?

ANSWER -- This is a question that's stumped a lot of people, and admittedly, we don't have a very complete answer for you. But as far as the Greeley Farmers' Market is concerned, Karen Scopel, who oversees the Greeley Farmers' Market, says she knows of no vendors at the market who were in areas affected by the flood.

"Most of the vendors that were in areas that were flooded probably couldn't get to their vegetables anyway," Scopel said.

That being said, people should always be cautious and ask questions of those selling them food. How about this one -- "How did you survive the flood?" The city requires all its vendors to carry liability insurance, if that is any reassurance.

By the bye, the Greeley Farmers' Market just had its last Wednesday market, and will be open Saturdays through October at the Depot in downtown Greeley. Come November, the market will move indoors in the old Kia building at 5th Street and 8th Avenue across from the Greeley Tribune.

If you have a question, contact Sharon Dunn at sdunn@greeleytribune.com or call (970) 392-4439.

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