Residents press Columbiana council to curb noisy, speeding vehicles

Residents and neighbors pressed the Columbiana City Council at a public meeting to take stronger action against loudly modified trucks, persistent speeding and what several speakers described as targeted harassment.

Tommy McCoy, who lives on Pierce Drive, said repeated late-night revving and high-speed runs past his house have made residents feel “held hostage by a few teenagers.” He described videos showing trucks producing up to 120 decibels and urged physical measures such as speed tables and more targeted enforcement.

“Why do the police sit at the funeral home or Chelsea Road when all they have to do is sit at Allen Hill or on Pierce Drive to catch someone speeding?” McCoy asked, recounting repeated incidents and nighttime disturbance.

Other residents told similar stories. Fran Balmer said the noise and speeding had escalated into harassment and urged the council to adopt and enforce new ordinances. Tori Watkins said drivers have used social media and on-street intimidation, and Melissa Kylie described repeated overnight targeting near Washington Street, saying she provided video evidence to officers with limited follow-up.

Police Chief Jeff Bowers summarized the department's recent enforcement: "We've written 19 citations on 19 different trucks," he said, adding two citations for loud radios, 12 citations for speeding in school zones, and 16 citations on North Main. He noted the department runs two officers per shift and encouraged residents to call dispatch and request to speak with him directly. "We will fix this problem one way or another," Bowers said.

Council members and the mayor acknowledged legal and staffing limits but said the city would explore ordinance changes and other measures. The mayor said staff will review noise and traffic ordinances and that options under consideration include speed tables, radar speed signs and revised wording to give officers clearer enforcement authority. No vote took place because the council lacked a quorum; the mayor said the items would return to a future agenda.

The exchange left residents urging faster action and the council promising a review of legal options and additional enforcement coordination. The city asked residents to continue submitting video and tag information to assist enforcement and said any immediate emergencies should be reported to 911.