Dear ACHD Director Ryan Head & ACHD Commissioner David McKinney:

We are writing on behalf of Ashbury and Foxtail residents in a combined letter regarding the recent installation of yield signs around our neighborhood's established roadway planters. Our community has significant concerns about these additions, which we believe are unnecessary and potentially detrimental to our neighborhood's character and property values.

The planters in question have been integral features of our streetscape since the neighborhood's development, serving multiple purposes including traffic calming, neighborhood beautification, and environmental benefits. They were professionally designed and installed with several key safety features:

• Permanent concrete curbing that clearly defines their boundaries
• Mature trees and seasonal flowers that make them highly visible
• Natural design elements that create clear sight lines for drivers
• Strategic placement that naturally indicates proper traffic flow

Most importantly, these planters have maintained an impeccable safety record since their installation, without any known accidents or incidents. This track record demonstrates that drivers have consistently recognized and safely navigated around these features through their obvious physical presence alone, without any need for signage.

A matter of significant concern is that these changes were implemented without any prior notification or consultation with our community. Both neighborhoods affected by these changes are represented by fully staffed HOA boards that regularly communicate with various agencies. This lack of communication has prevented our community from providing valuable input before these changes were made.

Our community's concerns about the new signs are multifaceted:

First, the additional signage creates unnecessary visual clutter in our neighborhood. The signs duplicate what is already obvious through the planters' substantial physical presence and landscaping. Rather than enhancing safety, they risk becoming a distraction from the natural visual cues that have successfully guided traffic since installation.

Second, this solution appears to be addressing a problem that doesn't exist. Given the complete absence of accidents or reported issues throughout the planters' history, the installation of new signage seems to be an overcautious measure that doesn't reflect the real-world performance and safety of these features.

Third, we have serious concerns about the impact on property values. The introduction of unnecessary warning signs creates a false perception of risk in what has historically been a safe, well-designed neighborhood. This artificial sense of hazard could potentially deter prospective homebuyers and negatively impact property values in our community. The signs suggest a danger that simply doesn't exist, potentially affecting both current homeowners' investments and future real estate transactions.

Fourth, the signs diminish the aesthetic value that these planters bring to our neighborhood. Our community has invested considerable time and resources in maintaining these planters as beautiful, green spaces that enhance our streetscape. The additional signage detracts from these carefully planned landscape features.

Our residents understand and appreciate the Highway District's commitment to public safety. However, we believe this particular measure represents an over-correction that doesn't serve its intended purpose. We respectfully request that you consider removing these signs based on:

• The planters' proven safety record since installation
• The inherent visibility of raised concrete planters filled with vegetation
• The unnecessary redundancy of additional signage
• The negative impact on neighborhood aesthetics and property values
• The lack of community consultation before implementation

We have attached a petition from neighborhood residents who share these concerns. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss this matter further and work together to find a solution that maintains both safety and the character of our neighborhood.

We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Residents and Homeowners of the Foxtail & Ashbury Neighborhoods