Traffic Safety Concerns Continue for Roosevelt
Roosevelt community wants more crosswalks and streetlights
Concerns about traffic safety has been an ongoing concern for Roosevelt community members.
Charles Law said the Roosevelt community does “not get any respect” and the problems cause a division among the other communities nearby.
“I have attended city council meetings about the proposed crosswalks we need and it was supposed to happen in 2011 but it keeps getting pushed back until 2012,” Law said. “There are a lot of children walking through dangerous areas in Roosevelt and every day is another possibility of someone getting hurt.”
Streetlights are also a concern for residents.
“I have patiently waited four years to see some kind of improvement with streetlights but have seen none,” Tansije Chobanov said. “I want mine and other children to feel safe when it starts to get darker outside but it is amazing that they (Bellingham City Council Members) do not seem to take action in regards to the safety of our children. This district is in need for streetlights and past due for them.”
Newer residents can also sense the need for crosswalks and streetlights.
“I have only been here for a month and have already noticed there are not that many crosswalks, especially near Woburn Street and Pacific Street,” Chezarie Villarreal said. “I take my nephews and nieces out to Roosevelt Park a lot and getting here is a hassle because cars hardly stop to let us pass.”
Placing a crosswalk specifically in between Woburn Street and Pacific Street has been an ongoing concern for residents.
“It would be good to put a crosswalk there because it is close to Kids Korner, a childcare center, and we have to cross there on the way to Roosevelt Park where many families bring their children,” Villarreal said.
Law continues to wonder how childcare centers in Bellingham have crosswalks except for Kids Korner in Roosevelt.
“Go through Bellingham and look at how many marked crosswalks there are near children’s centers,” Law said. “And we are missing some in Roosevelt.”
The Bellingham City's policy for crosswalks, according to their website, is to install crosswalks only where traffic is controlled by stop signs or traffic signals.
It states that the city will install crosswalks at intersections controlled by traffic signals, school route crossings adjacent to schools and selected trail crossings. Olivia Danville moved to the Roosevelt area a few months ago and enjoys taking her daughter to Roosevelt Park. She said that Bellingham seems like a safe place to live but noticed a few areas of concern.
“I did notice a lack of crosswalks and streetlights where I thought there would be some, especially since so many people walk by Woburn Street and there is a daycare nearby,” Danville said.
The Bellingham City’s information on streetlights, according to their website, include information that relates to replacing damaged lights. There is no distinct policy for streetlights.
Law plans to continue the fight for crosswalks and streetlights by voicing his opinion at city council meetings and hopes other community members will join as well.
There will be a Bellingham Planning and Development meeting at 7 p.m. on May 12 at the City Council Chambers building on 210 Lottie Street.
Community members may voice their opinion for 15 minutes each during the Public Comment Period.
For more information on the upcoming city council meeting contact Greg Aucutt at 360-778-8344, by e-mail at gaucutt@cob.org or visit The City of Bellingham Website at http://www.cob.org. #
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