Resident hopes homemade sign slows traffic

SHEFFIELD - Cruise down Riverbluff Drive in Sheffield and chances are you won't miss the large, homemade sign that states, "Please slow down cats & children present."

According to sign creator Lisa McCrory, it was erected Monday after Sassy, a neighbor's cat, was killed by what she believes was a speeding motorist.

"I was so upset that I went out and got concrete to make a speed bump," she said. "After I had some time to think about it, I came home during my lunch break and made the sign instead."

Even though the sign is not official, McCrory said it has made a noticeable difference.

"I don't know if the drivers are stopping to see what the sign says, or if they're slowing down because of what it says, but it seems like it's working," said her husband, Scott McCrory.

Being a pet owner herself, Lisa said she had to do something.

"Sometimes people become complacent and need to be reminded of things," she said. "I'm just trying to get them to slow down."

"It's not just the animals that can be hit; there are plenty of walkers in the neighborhood and kids who play and bike on the street, too," Lisa said.

Sheffield Police Chief Greg Ray said the sign can not be enforced because it's not within guidelines.

It also doesn't raise any concerns, he said.

"If someone had made a homemade stop sign, then that would be a serious problem because it could cause a traffic accident," he said.

Ray said Sheffield residents can get in touch with their council representative or city hall to put in a request for an official street sign.

"If putting up a sign makes the people in a neighborhood feel safer, then we'll definitely look into it," he said.