Plans for speed mitigation in the East Highlands area were presented yesterday to the State College Transportation Commission and members of the newly formed Traffic Calming Committee (TCC).

Trans-Associates, the borough consultant, proposed the use of speed humps, not to be confused with speed bumps, on both Hamilton and Prospect avenues in addition to a chicane on the east end of Hamilton to slow down traffic. "It's the most effective in reducing speeds and the most cost-effective in this part of the neighborhood," said Aaron Fayish, an associate analyst for Trans-Associates.

Narrowing lanes on South Garner Street and the placement of transverse pavement markers, which are similar to but less abrasive than rumble strips, were also parts of the preliminary plan heard at the meeting.

Asphalt speed humps have a gradual three-inch incline and chicanes, which are pavement markings that force traffic to deviate from its straight course, forcing traffic to slow down.

Fayish said the plan would cost about $10,800 for its complete initial implementation.

Public Works Director Mark Whitfield said the project could be underway by October if all the necessary steps are taken. If not, it will have to wait until next year, he said.

"There is money that was set aside for this particular project," he said. "Generally, by Thanksgiving, asphalt plans shut down."

The consultant's plan raised many questions and concerns from members of the TCC, which neighborhood residents formed because of the need for a liaison between the Transportation Commission and the East Highlands community.

"It was thought-provoking," TCC member Peg Hambrick said. "I believe the TCC has to have more information."

Hambrick said she was concerned about the speed hump placement on only part of Hamilton and Prospect avenues.

A Locust Lane resident, Hambrick said she thought that drivers could slow down for the speed humps but then accelerate on the section of Hamilton Avenue at the intersection of Locust Lane and Hamilton Avenue, where she lives.

"I'm afraid they could pick up steam," she said.

"I could see the next block being an issue. We don't want unintended consequences," she added.

Trans-Associates' study, done last year in the neighborhood, determined the need for speed mitigation on Garner Street, Prospect and Hamilton avenues.

The study was done in response to a letter written by neighbors on Prospect Avenue who were concerned about traffic speed and volume in the East Highlands.

Another resident concern was the possibility that drivers would find a different route to avoid the possible speed humps. Other streets such as Irvin, McCormick and Waring avenues could be alternate routes taken by drivers.

Eric Snyder, a TCC member and Hetzel Street resident, said he was concerned about the possible traffic diversion.

"The vast majority goes down Prospect, then they turn down Hetzel," he said. "I'm not anti-solution. I think it needs to be more comprehensive."

Transportation Commission chair Chris Falzone said the presentation was what he anticipated.

"I expected some preliminary projects that would be bare bones, and I think that's what we got," he said. "It may have to be more aggressive than we initially thought."