Traffic Disaster around Dunkirk Xmas Lights

[784caroline]

Last night around 630 i was trying to get to Colonly Plaza via Stillwater/Odell when I came to a complete stop on Odel Cir near Ambrosia. Traffic was at a standstill going no where and you could see it was cars trying to get into Dunkirk Trl to see the Xmas displays. Well I turned around and took back roads via Havana Trail to come out back on Odell but now past the turn off to Dunkirk. AGAIN traffic from the Morse Circle onto Odell at a total stop ......and then a Fire Engine with Lights flashing is trying to get through the gate to get on Odell...... he can barely get through the circle with so much traffic and has to come through the normal exit side of the gate...and then proceeds down the opposite lane on Odell...TOTALY UNACCEPTABLE but thats all this driver could do because of the traffic to reach his emergency call... When I finaly got into the circle on Morse (near Havana CC), Traffic both lanes was down Morse close to Colony not moving..what a disaster waiting to happen!!! ON my return I actually had to leave colonly, drive down 466A until I got to Canal and headed north on Canal just to avoid this MAJOR tie up.

If the neighbors around Dunkirk complain they are not being the Grinch of Xmas , believe me its much more than simply a few cars in and around Dunkirk...definitely a safety issue.

[jnieman]

I love Christmas too but it has become a real problem trying to get home or to go anywhere after 6 pm each evening. I live on Dunkirk at the other end. I heard about the fire truck being held up because of the traffic last night and this is worrysome should we need the rescue squad. I did notice the police were directing traffic onto Dunkirk last night. There is one advantage to this. It seems everyone in the Villages knows where my street is so when I tell them what street I live on they can find my house.

[pooh]

We returned home from the Orlando area last evening and were driving up Morse towards the gate at O’Dell. At 8:57 PM , traffic was stopped on Morse, through the gate and up O’Dell. Luckily we were able to squeeze through and continue up Morse. Drivers were considerate enough to leave an opening to allow driving to continue up Morse. Never have seen this type of congestion in all the years we lived here!

[njbchbum]

Perhaps next year the sheriff will consider making Dunkirk a one way street for a couple of weeks during the display!

[NotGolfer]

We heard the sirens last night as they made their way up Odell. Dunkirk is a problem re: traffic for sure. We encountered a bit of that a couple of weeks ago. They've tried to make the best of things by funneling cars/carts one way around the loop but getting in and out of Dunkirk is where the issue is. Maybe folks will need to park at Odell Rec Center and walk up to view the lights OR have it be mandated that only carts and not cars can go in and out of the street. Someone needs a solution as there are other reasons folks need to use Odell and not be bogged down by the traffic. I hope whatever the emergency was...that it was taken care of in a timely manner.

[EdFNJ]

Perhaps next year the sheriff will consider making Dunkirk a one way street for a couple of weeks during the display!



It is one way from 6-9pm. Problem is O'Dell not Dunkirk. Carts only is an excellent idea.


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[jnieman]

Last night around 630 i was trying to get to Colonly Plaza via Stillwater/Odell when I came to a complete stop on Odel Cir near Ambrosia. Traffic was at a standstill going no where and you could see it was cars trying to get into Dunkirk Trl to see the Xmas displays. Well I turned around and took back roads via Havana Trail to come out back on Odell but now past the turn off to Dunkirk. AGAIN traffic from the Morse Circle onto Odell at a total stop ......and then a Fire Engine with Lights flashing is trying to get through the gate to get on Odell...... he can barely get through the circle with so much traffic and has to come through the normal exit side of the gate...and then proceeds down the opposite lane on Odell...TOTALY UNACCEPTABLE but thats all this driver could do because of the traffic to reach his emergency call... When I finaly got into the circle on Morse (near Havana CC), Traffic both lanes was down Morse close to Colony not moving..what a disaster waiting to happen!!! ON my return I actually had to leave colonly, drive down 466A until I got to Canal and headed north on Canal just to avoid this MAJOR tie up.

If the neighbors around Dunkirk complain they are not being the Grinch of Xmas , believe me its much more than simply a few cars in and around Dunkirk...definitely a safety issue.

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[joldnol]

Humbug!

[Polar Bear]

...Carts only is an excellent idea...
Dunkirk residents might not agree.

[fw102807]

It's so beautiful, I hope they find a solution.

[manaboutown]

Here is a video of a highly decorated home in a residential neighborhood which caused total misery for the neighbors. A friend of mine lived next door. The exhaust fumes were so bad his family suffered headaches. The traffic continued until after midnight for weeks. They could not get out of or into their driveway in the evenings the traffic was so bad. The owners last name was, ironically, Bugg - and they did manage to bug the neighbors. The Bugg House Christmas lights in 1995 Albuquerque NM - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmXDdkYyrLs)

[mtdjed]

The problem is not Odell or Dunkirk. The problem is the excessive displays on Dunkirk. It is nice to be able to decorate for Christmas but when it is in excess and to the point of becoming a community hazard, it is time to be RESPONSIBLE and cut back. I can recall getting cited for having one lawn decoration. I realize that holiday décor is allowed, but creating a neighborhood disturbance each night for a month goes well past my tolerance level.

[joldnol]

The problem is not Odell or Dunkirk. The problem is the excessive displays on Dunkirk. It is nice to be able to decorate for Christmas but when it is in excess and to the point of becoming a community hazard, it is time to be RESPONSIBLE and cut back. I can recall getting cited for having one lawn decoration. I realize that holiday décor is allowed, but creating a neighborhood disturbance each night for a month goes well past my tolerance level.

Get off my lawn!!!! Bah Humbug

[manaboutown]

The problem is not Odell or Dunkirk. The problem is the excessive displays on Dunkirk. It is nice to be able to decorate for Christmas but when it is in excess and to the point of becoming a community hazard, it is time to be RESPONSIBLE and cut back. I can recall getting cited for having one lawn decoration. I realize that holiday décor is allowed, but creating a neighborhood disturbance each night for a month goes well past my tolerance level.

Attractive nuisance?

[Nucky]

Solution....Golf Carts any night. Cars by license plate odd or even. Personalized plates are even. If the date is the 3rd odd cars, if its the 4th even cars. Its abusive to not do something before it gets shut down. Just to nice to let that happen. Just like the gas rationing days. Problem halved.

[JoMar]

As usual, the "it's all about me" posters come out. If it's a safety issue they will address it. Does anyone think that posting that a fire truck was stuck in traffic will be an "aha" moment.....those in the fire truck are intelligent enough to escalate when there is an issue. Enjoy the season, the hard work and expense those on Dunkirk put in to allow us to share a wonderful display of the season.

[Challenger]

Feel sorry for non participants who bought on this street and were unaware of the situation. Décor is nice but this has now gone way over the top. Note: we do celebrate Christmas and have tasteful décor. Dunkirk is now an amusement park. (IMHO)

[Chi-Town]

I remember a few posters who were highly upset at valet parking. Of course, they didn't have to or never would use it. The Dunkirk lights are not required viewing.

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[Bogie Shooter]

Solution....Golf Carts any night. Cars by license plate odd or even. Personalized plates are even. If the date is the 3rd odd cars, if its the 4th even cars. Its abusive to not do something before it gets shut down. Just to nice to let that happen. Just like the gas rationing days. Problem halved.

People cannot figure out how to drive roundabouts.....and you expect them to understand this system?:confused:

[Bogie Shooter]

I remember a few posters who were highly upset at valet parking. Of course, they didn't have to or never would use it. The Dunkirk lights are not required viewing.

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Complainers take note.........................

[EdFNJ]

I remember a few posters who were highly upset at valet parking. Of course, they didn't have to or never would use it. The Dunkirk lights are not required viewing.

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Viewing The lights aren't the issue it's the traffic jam on O'Dell, a one lane major through street (and Morse) caused by all those going to see them that is. O'Dell was backed up from Dunkirk down to the Morse circle, then around the circle then south on Morse. That being said I'd hate to live in Dunkirk at this time of the year. I like visiting it but wouldn't want to live there. NIMBY! [emoji4]

Also due to all the publicity in newspapers it brings in even more people from OUTSIDE TV making it worse.


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[Nucky]

People cannot figure out how to drive roundabouts.....and you expect them to understand this system?:confused:

Odd is Odd numbered days, Even is Even number days, personalized plates are Even. Golf Carts are every day. I understand it is rough for some people but I see no other quick solution posted that could be simpler.

I hope that a solution is found because something so nice would be terrible to be taken away. It's time to consider those who suffer through this in silence. I am not hurt at all. :oops:

[coffeebean]

Perhaps next year the sheriff will consider making Dunkirk a one way street for a couple of weeks during the display!

During the hours the light display is on, Dunkirk is set up as a one way street. It is set up as a one way street even in the beginning of the season when there is little to no traffic.

[coffeebean]

Solution....Golf Carts any night. Cars by license plate odd or even. Personalized plates are even. If the date is the 3rd odd cars, if its the 4th even cars. Its abusive to not do something before it gets shut down. Just to nice to let that happen. Just like the gas rationing days. Problem halved.

This sounds very reasonable but....what about the residents of Dunkirk? Would they be able to come and go in their car any day? Would they have to show their driver's license to enter or exit their own street?

[BK001]

My cousin lives in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn an area notorious for the over-the-top Christmas displays. The preparations start after Halloween and from Thanksgiving until well into January, she can not use her car because there is no way to get close to her house nor to park her car because of the traffic that comes from all over to see the displays. Traffic (both vehicular and pedestrian) is tied up and at a stand still for miles. There are even tour buses that come in full of people to see the displays. She has had people ring her bell and ask if they could use her bathroom. She has cried that life during this time of year is miserable -- if she shops she has no way to get close to her home to drop off her parcels and or groceries. And hiring a car or taxi doesn't help because they can't get near her home either. It is total madness. She says she lives in a Christmas Prison! She has stopped having any holiday gatherings for this reason and the past couple of years will stay at her sister's house for the bulk of the Christmas season. She is now talking about selling her beautiful home because she just can't take it any more. After seeing what she goes through, I see the other side of the coin.

When we bought our home here in the Villages, I totally forgot to ask about my neighbor's Christmas decorations. I thank God that we were lucky and do not live next to anyone whose decorations belong more in a commercially zoned area rather than residential.

Take a look:

Best Christmas Lights in the World - Dyker Heights NY Holiday Lights Extravaganza!!!! - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWitEiQdTqA)

[Nucky]

This sounds very reasonable but....what about the residents of Dunkirk? Would they be able to come and go in their car any day? Would they have to show their driver's license to enter or exit their own street?

Great point and I'm sure there will be other things that we didn't think of that will need to be tweaked but the general idea is as stated. I vote for all residences to be able to go to their own home each day.

We spoke in the car of the people with no lights on, they must be considered it is only fair.

If the residents of Dunkirk are smart enough to have a production like that on then handling this massive popularity thing is a no-brainer for people like that. I wish them the best and we appreciate their effort. They put a lot of smiles on a lot of faces.

[BobnBev]

I can't figure out why Community Watch doesn't get involved with traffic control. Isn't that one of their functions?

[mtdjed]

Odd Number, even numbers would make it worse. Who would know that rule was in effect, who would enforce it, and how would it be enforced? Disallowed autos would need to turn around and would delay traffic even more.

One emergency event in the midst of this area would have firetrucks and ambulances blocked, but they would get thru perhaps damaging autos, yards etc. They could be delayed and who would be responsible. I recognize that it is a question of judgement, but with evidence of it causing problems already, should be notice to the participants that they have created an potential problem.

My suggestion would be that for a display disruption possibility like that, a permit by area safety officials should be required. Perhaps that already exists. If so, the responsibility transfers to the county to mitigate the problem. I would guess that is what some churches get on Sundays to control traffic. Do not know if they pay for the law enforcement officers used to control flow of traffic.

[Nucky]

Odd Number, even numbers would make it worse. Who would know that rule was in effect, who would enforce it, and how would it be enforced? Disallowed autos would need to turn around and would delay traffic even more.

One emergency event in the midst of this area would have firetrucks and ambulances blocked, but they would get thru perhaps damaging autos, yards etc. They could be delayed and who would be responsible. I recognize that it is a question of judgement, but with evidence of it causing problems already, should be notice to the participants that they have created an potential problem.

My suggestion would be that for a display disruption possibility like that, a permit by area safety officials should be required. Perhaps that already exists. If so, the responsibility transfers to the county to mitigate the problem. I would guess that is what some churches get on Sundays to control traffic. Do not know if they pay for the law enforcement officers used to control flow of traffic.

These are neighbors doing a fine job bringing joy to many people and now there is a traffic snafu that must be remedied the best way possible. You are correct mtdjed your way sounds much better, good job, let me know how it works out. Just wondering who it is that pays for law enforcement to control traffic after they have paid for the lighting and electric, is that the residents who put on the light show?

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

If I'm not mistaken, all of the residents on Dunkirk have agreed to do this, or they have a neighborhood organization that has approved it. Additionally, they raise money for charity with the display.

I think that a solution might be to post signs or have traffic police on northbound Morse explaining that the right-hand lane is for exiting onto ODell only and the left-hand lane is for through traffic. They could even place temporary barriers between the lanes on Morse. That would cause the right-hand lane to become longer, but leaves the left-hand lane open. As far as people that need to get onto ODell, they can always come up the other end.

If people that live on Dunkirk are really against it then I'm sure that they have agencies that they can complain to and get it stopped.

[Henryk]

Hey, come on, people. The folks on Dunkirk spend LOTS of time and money on their displays; give them a break. In addition, they raise thousands of dollars and contribute hundreds of pounds of food to worthy community causes.

And further, have you taken children to see the lights and hear the music? If not, then you couldn't possibly imagine the joy and awe on their faces--not something they will forget any time soon.

PS: I read that their storage trailer had been stolen with all the gear in it. When I saw the neighbors putting up displays this year, I was surprised and asked if the trailer had been recovered? The answer: no. We bought it all again, and there is more this year than last year. Bless them.

[Allegiance]

Up to what day and times will the display be visible? Thanks guys. Looking forward

[EdFNJ]

Morse isn't the problem, it's O'Dell which is 1 lane. O'Dell backs up all the way to Morse (about 3/4mi) Cars AND GCs are all squeezing into right turn GC lane which still blocks up the car lane and causes through driving carts to pull into car lane and cars to end up partially in oncoming lane. Then cars/carts trying to make a left turn into Dunkirk block the other direction lane.

As beautiful as it is, something needs to be done to alleviate traffic and prevent the accidents that often occur at intersection of O'Dell and Dunkirk and the traffic gridlock.

If it was only for a couple days that's one thing but it goes on for at least 5 weeks. The traffic situation is both dangerous and annoying.

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[Bavarian]

Maybe more Villages could decorate. Then maybe we could get on "The Great Christmas Light Fight"

[EdFNJ]

Hey, come on, people. The folks on Dunkirk spend LOTS of time and money on their displays; give them a break. In addition, they raise thousands of dollars and contribute hundreds of pounds of food to worthy community causes.

And further, have you taken children to see the lights and hear the music? If not, then you couldn't possibly imagine the joy and awe on their faces--not something they will forget any time soon.

PS: I read that their storage trailer had been stolen with all the gear in it. When I saw the neighbors putting up displays this year, I was surprised and asked if the trailer had been recovered? The answer: no. We bought it all again, and there is more this year than last year. Bless them.



I don't think the people involved in the 2 accidents I actually saw would agree. As I said before I think what they are doing is great and beautiful and I enjoyed it multiple times myself but that has nothing to do with the 5 weeks of heavy traffic and accidents and yes, even the inconvenience it causes many others. There has to be more consideration and better planning for the 5 weeks of heavy and sometimes dangerous traffic it is causing others. I think due to outside publicity in the papers it has grown to the point it needs some professional traffic control. It's no longer just a local event.


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[skip0358]

Well IF people are not going to view the lights they to should avoid the area and not add to the traffic problem. If Morse is backing up take another road. If Odell is backed up take another route. There are some who have to as they live in that area and need to go that way. The other night Morse was backed up and people were just going north and not to the lights so why use that road period. The lights have been here for a long time and hopefully will stay. Everyone needs to plan their driving routes a little better period.

[Challenger]

Well IF people are not going to view the lights they to should avoid the area and not add to the traffic problem. If Morse is backing up take another road. If Odell is backed up take another route. There are some who have to as they live in that area and need to go that way. The other night Morse was backed up and people were just going north and not to the lights so why use that road period. The lights have been here for a long time and hopefully will stay. Everyone needs to plan their driving routes a little better period.

Really hope that my neighbors don't ever get the urge do something similar. There is a principle known as "Quite Enjoyment" Bah Humbug!

[Allegiance]

Up to what day and times will the display be visible? Thanks guys. Looking forwardDays and times, anyone?

[EdFNJ]

Well IF people are not going to view the lights they to should avoid the area and not add to the traffic problem. If Morse is backing up take another road. If Odell is backed up take another route. There are some who have to as they live in that area and need to go that way. The other night Morse was backed up and people were just going north and not to the lights so why use that road period. The lights have been here for a long time and hopefully will stay. Everyone needs to plan their driving routes a little better period.

So everyone who wants to avoid the little Dunkirk side Street traffic nightmare should avoid O'Dell for 5 weeks at night ?? Seriously, that's ridiculous. O'Dell is a main thoroughfare and Dunkirk is a small side street off O'Dell and O'Dell is one of very few "through streets" in TV. Why should a group of 20 or so homes cause traffic jams on a "main road" for 5 weeks? There are multitudes more people traveling in both cars and Golf Carts on O'Dell than on Dunkirk St. Either you live on Dunkirk St or you don't have to experience the jams every night as many do.

EVERYONE can enjoy the beautiful display on Dunkirk St as long as the nightmare they have created FOR OTHERS can be resolved ..... and it can be simply resolved with T.V. providing some professional traffic control on the corner. No one is asking them to shut down, just to fix the mess outside their street they have created.

Seriously, others in the area are entitled to some consideration don't you think?

Fortunately it's soon over so this discussion will be moot ... until next year.

[EdFNJ]

Days and times, anyone?
6pm-9pm every night. My guess (and hope) is it ends on New Years eve.

[BobnBev]

Days and times, anyone?

New Years eve is the last day, 6 to 9 PM.

[BobnBev]

is like an ostrich with it's head buried in the sand----Ignore the problem and it will go away (at least till next year).