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Phoenix council picks Cheryl Lane option Project would realign intersection of Fern Valley Road, 99 By WENDY SIPOREN PHOENIX -- The City Council reluctantly overturned the recommendations of the Planning Commission and a citizens advisory committee Monday, voting 4-1 to pursue a realignment of Fern Valley Road with Cheryl Lane. The decision was made despite concerns that council members did not have enough information to make an informed choice between the Cheryl Lane option and the alternative, which would have sent Fern Valley Road traffic down West Bolz Road to intersect with Highway 99 at a new traffic signal at the post office. "Whatever you do, it ain't going to be right," said Councilman Otto Caster. Councilman Allen Harris cast the only dissenting vote, but did not explain his vote. Both a citizens group and the Planning Commission criticized the Cheryl Lane plan, which would take a portion of the Exxon gas station and Ray's Food Place parking lot, because of its potential negative effect on those businesses. The Cheryl Lane option emerged as the preferred choice for the council because of worries that Fern Valley Road traffic would not be able to easily access Ray's Food Place. The Bolz Road option would require Fern Valley traffic to first turn right on Highway 99 and then make a left to get to the grocery store. "I think we're creating a bottleneck ... That's dangerous," said Councilman Dale Draper. "I see lots of accidents there." Transportation consultant Gary Shaff said that as traffic increases on the highway, the Oregon Department of Transportation would eventually install a median barrier throughout downtown, allowing left turns only at intersections with traffic signals. That would make it even more difficult for northbound traffic to reach the grocery store. The city will begin with preliminary engineering studies and base specific decisions about just how much of the gas station and grocery store parking lot will be needed for the road improvements. If a major problem emerges, the council may also choose to change its mind. Actual work to move the roads probably won't happen soon. The exact timing will depend on when funding becomes available, said City Planner Denis Murray. The project could come sooner if the vacant lot at the northwest corner of Cheryl Lane and Hwy. 99 is developed, he said. Monday's decision won't affect the plan to immediately restrict left turns into and out of Cheryl Lane. Cars attempting to make those turns have made the intersection the most dangerous in the city. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA