The southeast area boundaries which encompass Ryanwood N.A. were originally the farm of a Mr. Ryan. The old homestead was located at approximately the corner of Ellis Road and Sandy Lane. When Mr. Ryan's daughter, Gertrude, married Mr. Ellis, they continued to farm at this location after her father died. When developers bought this property in the 50's Gertrude moved to Meadowbrook Drive, near Beach Street. After Mr. Ryan passed away Gertrude Ryan Ellis Melton remarried and, to the best of our knowledge, is still living. At the age of 94 we were so fortunate to have her speak to our neighborhood association. She gave us many interesting stories of life in this area from 1900 to the present time. Gertrude has a sister living on Monterrey Drive and a sister on Morrison Ct.
But, back to the story of Ryanwood N.A. Some of our neighbors take issue with our association being named Ryanwood N.A. Many say they live in the Meadowbrook addition, and they are correct. We have several additions named by the city which will appear on your property deed, however we already had two Meadowbrook Neighborhood Association's, West and Central and we thought that Ryanwood would be very appropriate. Thus the name which was voted on by over 100 charter members in October 1995.
Councilwoman Becky Haskin, District # 4, spoke at the first meeting of the Ryanwood N.A. on January 16th. It was a cold, rainy night but 60 brave souls came to hear the City respond to concerns that were returned with our 2001 dues on our questionnaire. Listed below are some of the highlights of this meeting.
Request for sidewalks on Sandy Lane from Meadowbrook Drive to Sandy Lane Park: At present this section is being investigated to determine whether it qualifies for the Safe Passage Program. This program was initiated by the City and the School District to provide sidewalks for the safety of children walking to and from school.
Request for clearer markings for turning left at Handley Drive and Brentwood Stair going north: We are informed that drivers are using the left turn lane to go straight to the Post Office. This is an accident waiting to happen. The existing northbound Lane Use Control sign and pavement markings will be upgraded within the next two weeks. (End of January) An additional Lane Use Control sign will be installed on the traffic signal mast arm for northbound traffic.
Request for a stop sign installed on Brentwood Stair between Handley Drive and Sandy Lane to slow the traffic: A traffic signal as well as an all-way stop warrant study will be conductedat the intersection of Barron Lane and Brentwood Stair. This location is at a school crossing and is half way from Handley Drive to Sandy Lane. Estimated completing date of study is 2/23.
Request for a stop light or 4-way stop sign at Handley Drive and Ellis Road: An all way stop warrant study will be conducted at this intersection with estimated completion date of 2/23. (Editor's note: A study was also conducted last year but traffic did not warrant a change - so said the city. With the increased traffic from our neighbors to the south of the Post Office, traffic has increased considerably.)
Request to slow traffic on Ederville Road/Handley Drive going south to Brentwood Stair - traffic is dangerous around the Post Office: A traffic warrant study has been conducted and is being analyzed and reviewed at this time. Recommendation is expected by 1/24. A speed study has been completed which indicates southbound drivers are traveling 11 mph faster than the 40 mph speed limit. The FWPD Traffic Division has been contacted to provide them times of the day when enforcement is most needed and speeding is most prevalent.
We have assurances from the Postmaster and Kathryn Davis, Customer Relations Coordinator at Meacham Field, that a drop box will be installed on Meadowbrook Drive near Handley Drive if permission can be obtained from owners of Meadowbrook East Shopping Center.
If not, we will make arrangements for another location, however both the Postmaster and Kathryn Davis agree that it is needed and will cut down on the traffic to the Post Office on Isham Street.