The Sunset Hills Board of Aldermen unanimously approved the installation of two “pedestrian crossing” signs – one flashing, one not – near the intersection of Robyn Road and Sunny Creek Lane at its Jan. 14 meeting. 

The topic of traffic and the possibility of adding traffic signage at and near the intersection of Robyn Road and Sunny Creek Lane has been discussed by the board ad nauseam since October. At its December meeting, the board denied an ordinance approving a three-way stop sign at the intersection by a vote of 3-5, prompting the latest discussion. 

Though on the agenda under general discussion, the flashing signs were first brought up during the public comment portion of the recent meeting. Sunset Hills resident Joe Grana submitted a letter to the board, stating his vehement opposition to a flashing sign as it would be installed next to his house. 

“The oldest residence in the Forest Ridge subdivision was constructed in 1969. I reviewed the Missouri Statewide Traffic Accident Record System (STARS) for the period between Jan. 1, 1969, and Jan. 14, 2025. The results show there have been no recorded vehicular accidents at the intersection of Robyn Road and Sunny Creek Lane. This reflects a remarkable 56-year period without any incidents,” Grana stated in his letter. “There is no evident need for such a measure given the lack of sharp curves, pedestrian traffic or visibility issues for westbound drivers.” 

Ward 3 Alderman and public works committee chair Cathy Friedmann next spoke about the signs during the committee reports portion of the meeting. She explained that the signs were added to the board’s agenda following the public works committee’s recent meeting where all four members agreed they would be beneficial. 

Conversation turned back to Grana during general discussion. 

“The man, Joe, who (said) that it wouldn’t be beneficial to drivers, I think he missed the point. We’re concerned about the children and the people walking across the street. I think it’s a great idea to have a flashing sign,” Ward 2 Alderman Marie Davis said. 

“Would you think that such a great idea was in your front yard? I guess that’s the question,” Ward 3 Alderman Greg Colombo responded. “I mean, I feel for Joe because I think in these situations, don’t we typically ask a property owner, ‘hey, would you want this flashing yellow sign all night long in your front yard?’”

This led to the board discussing the brightness of the flashing lights.

“Our best example is on Rott Road right at Laumeier (Sculpture Park), where the office building crosses over to Laumeier Park. When it’s really dark out, it’s bright and you see it.  It’s really just supposed to be flashing towards the direction the sign is facing, (but) I can’t guarantee that they’re not going to get some spillover,”  Bryson Baker, director of public works/city engineer, said.

Multiple ideas to combat light spillover – from light blinders to motion sensor lights to angling the signs differently – were thrown around. Ward 2 Alderman Casey Wong then took the floor, stating that light spillover is not a major concern and that the board should “proceed as planned.” 

“I think it’s more of a perceived problem than an actual problem,” Wong said. “These signs, yes, in the pitch black of night, they flash, you see them. That’s the whole point of them. But in terms of how much light they actually emit – and we’re talking about, you know, 150 feet from the resident’s home, and the angle –  I bet if we put it up tonight, we wouldn’t even hear from him because he wouldn’t notice.”

“I disagree completely,” Colombo replied. “If it’s in my front yard and I’m there everyday, I’m going to see it.” 

To compromise, the board decided on lighting only one sign. Drivers heading east on Robyn will have a lit sign, while drivers heading west will not.

When it came time for a vote, all eight aldermen voted in favor of the signs. The signs will soon be ordered and installed on Robyn Road, one near Lincoln Drive and the other near Roosevelt Drive. 

“We welcome feedback from residents and guests traveling on Robyn,” city administrator Brittany Gillett said.