Safety Concerns Houghton Street Residents

Residents of both Houghton and Rector streets expressed safety concerns at the Upper Roxbrough Civic Association meeting last week.

Recently, new construction got underway at what was previously a vacant lot at 4213 Houghton St.

Residents of both streets use an easement behind their properties for multiple uses including parking, a play area for their kids and a way to access the street.

According to the residents, the new construction was preventing them from turning safely onto Houghton due to an obstructed view.

Residents were also concerned that drivers were using the easement as a thoroughfare to bypass streets clogged by construction vehicles. 

The builder agreed to take out some of the slats in the fence increasing viability for turning cars, and he also agreed to have the fence cut across at a 45 degree angle instead of at 90 degrees.

As far as the cars driving on the easement, residents will look to put up an access bar or a sign that says “Private Drive.”