A process of slowing the car down by releasing the accelerator and shifting down through gears, rather than using the footbrake is known as engine braking and the residents near Hoo Hoo Road and State Hwy. 62 want to see an end to this practice by drivers in their area.. In technical terms, it’s using decelerative forces in the engine to slow the speed the wheels are turning at and can be quite loud.
Orange County Commissioners Court will hold a Public Hearing for residents to have an opportunity to voice their opinions on ending this practice in the area on State Hwy 62 beginning at Hoo Hoo Road and ending at State Hwy. 87. The hearing will be at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 24. The court is anticipated to vote on the ordinance during the 2 p.m. meeting the same day.
“We have had requests for this due to drivers slowing down at the intersection,” Orange County Judge John Gothia said. “The first step was to lower the speed limit, which helped.”
There are several requirements before an ordinance could be considered an option, according to Gothia.
“Several things have to be considered such as the number of residents and business in the area,” Gothia said. “Most cities have a No Engine Braking ordinance.”
In other court business, the court passed a resolution recognizing May 9 – May 15, 2022 as National Economic Development Week.
“This is an opportunity to acknowledge Economic Development Corporations (EDC) across the world,” Orange County EDC Director Jessica Hill said. “We have $12billion in projects right now and if they decide to select Orange County, it will be an upwards of 15,000 in employment.”
Hill also added that a form will soon be available at the EDC website for local businesses to register with the EDC so they can provide a list to the companies when they ask for local suppliers.
“We want to have the information to provide to them,” Hill said.
Gothia added there has been a great deal of activity in Orange County in the last year and a half.
“It all starts with that first contact,” Gothia said.
-Dawn Burleigh-
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