Emergency access in one south Windsor neighbourhood sparked a heated debate at city council.
Residents on Woodlawn Ave. and Parkwood Ave. don't want their dead-end streets to open up to a new 118-home development.
But Windsor Fire Chief Bruce Montone says the compromise -- a collapsible bollard -- won't work because a fire route must remain unobstructed.
"That causes us great concern in order to properly protect that part of the community," he says. "We need that proposed area. We need access to additional water supply."
Council voted to install a bollard, but not label the road as an emergency route to avoid requirements in the law.
While looking at other communities, Montone believes bollards simply don't work.
"Because the bollards aren't maintained, in fact, they don't even exist anymore," he says. "People every single day utilize that access route to take a shortcut. You create more safety hazards."
Mayor Drew Dilkens says this decision is not set in stone. Administration will ensure it conforms with all laws and building code regulations.
