New development and voting for or against Measure B shouldn't be primarily about traffic but about safety first and foremost. This is my major concern regarding Home Depot or another similar business going in on Hampshire Road. Separate from other traffic issues is the severe hazard it would cause on the 101 Freeway, particularly where the 101 and 23 freeways and Hampshire exit come together.

The number of vehicles exiting Hampshire, most notably eastbound, has increased exponentially. This is particularly serious since the 23 transitions to the 101 just before the Hampshire exit, with many drivers quickly cutting across lanes to merge onto the 101 from the 23, while others dart to the right to get into the Hampshire exit-only lane. And they do so with increasing speed and recklessness, all leading to a very dangerous situation.

The addition of businesses on Hampshire the last few years, the Chevron station and constant Spectrum traffic significantly exacerbates the matter. And the new large business complex being built on Townsgate between LaVenta and Lakeview will certainly perpetuate the problem.

The layout of the 101/23/eastbound Hampshire exit interchange and Hampshire westbound exit doesn't lend itself to any sort of significant structural improvement, even if paid for by Home Depot. Thus, Home Depot- - not the community- - would benefit as they'd be allowed to build where there's no real substantial remedy for the havoc the business would create.

No amount of tax revenue generated from Home Depot could possibly be worth the increased risk of accidents, injury and, most probably, loss of life; the odds of fatalities rises as accidents and factors contributing to accidents increase.

Other hazards include the already dangerous and chaotic Hampshire-Willow intersection and high number of U-turns on Hampshire. Posting "No U-turn" signs would do little to help.

U-turns have been allowed so long, many people will choose to ignore the signs, risk a ticket, which is unlikely anyway, considering how many drivers would do it and how few would be cited, and still make the U.

Safety and welfare of the community and residents must be the priority.

Terry Weeks

Westlake Village