Traffic calming measures took center stage at the Appleton Municipal Services Committee meeting on August 11, 2025, as city leaders discussed potential solutions to enhance road safety while preserving the urban tree canopy. Alder Meltzer proposed the introduction of bump outs and speed humps as effective traffic calming strategies, emphasizing the need to balance road design with environmental considerations.

The discussion highlighted the importance of saving healthy trees while removing those deemed unhealthy. Alder Meltzer suggested that bump outs could be strategically designed around healthy trees, creating a synergy between traffic management and tree preservation. However, Alder Crowt raised concerns about the feasibility of saving trees, noting that 32 trees identified in poor condition might limit options for preservation.

Alder Jones pointed out that the width of the street is a primary concern for residents, suggesting that any redesign should prioritize maintaining adequate road width to accommodate parking and traffic flow. Alder Schultz echoed this sentiment, proposing a design that maintains the current street width while incorporating bump outs to slow traffic at key points.

The committee faced a critical decision regarding the road's width, with Deputy Director Neuberger clarifying that the existing width of 32 feet must be maintained to meet fire department standards. This left the committee with two options: narrow the road to 26 feet, which would save some trees, or keep it at 32 feet, resulting in the loss of both unhealthy and some healthy trees.

As the meeting concluded, the committee recognized the need for further exploration of these options, aiming to find a solution that balances traffic safety with environmental stewardship. The outcome of this discussion will shape future road designs in Appleton, reflecting the community's priorities for both safety and sustainability.