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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024.10.15 Council WS Public Comments from R SimpsonI;��vitJ C,4- 0 )S) 2-VN ('o�,��l From: Reed Simpson reedsimpson@gmail.com Subject: 150ct24 City Council Meeting on Court St Traffic calming measures and suggestions Date: October 15, 2024 at 2:17 PM To: serranocouncil@pasco-wa.gov, milnecouncil@pasco-wa.gov, HarpsterCouncil@pasco-wa.gov, westcourtpasco@gmail.com, Reed Simpson reedsimpson@gmail.com The section of Court Street most susceptible to speeders is McKeever Park and the straightaway from the curve to the west and Road 111. There are no traffic mitigation speed reduction measures under the 182 bridge for people trying to cross lanes of traffic by walkers or bicycles using the Sacagawea trail system. There needs to be a redirect of traffic at the crossings for the trail system. Recently a Pasco department removed the crosswalk lines under the bridge. WashDOT confirmed they did not remove the crosswalk lines. Currently there is nothing to mark the crossings on Court Street. Imagine the reputation that Pasco would suffer if the trail users were injured or killed coming off of the bridge onto Court street because there is no mitigation for even a simple crosswalk designated paint stripe. The arguments of aesthetically pleasing traffic calming measures are understandable; however as slow as the city is in making the street more safe for residents, I think it's time to just do something. Signs, candlesticks and turtle bumps in the road all sound good. However there are signs up this week telling people that Court Street is closed from the 182 bridge to Harris. They're not small signs, they're very noticeable and easily read. However, people do not see them and come all the way to the 182 bridge and turn around and go back indicating signs don't work. The only thing that's going to slow traffic is physical redirection that needs to be done sooner than later. People don't see 30 mph speed limit signs or double yellow lines; they do what they want unless there is something that makes them slow down. Public works director estimates an alternative 1 A, signs only installation is estimated cost is $40,000 for two signs. Amazon will deliver a solar powered LED radar speed display sign on a post for $3,400 delivered. Two of those make $7,000 so is the director saying that the city needs $33,000 to dig two holes and install two signs? Get a better estimate. The cost associated with alternatives to the full streetscape project is estimated at $6 million plus dollars. Have the public works director put a little more effort in getting a better and more accurate estimate. You do not need a full streetscape to have calming measures. The person who put the agenda report data October 11 th together for the city council is clearly trying to deflect the work. Please install speed cushions as you installed on Road 96 them as soon as possible, along with radar speed display signs, candlesticks and turtle redirect bumps, well marked crosswalk lines for the Sacagawea trail and speed cushions as soon as possible. Thank you Reed Simpson 11404 Court St From: Deborah Huntington deborahuntington@aol.com Subject: City of Pasco Council West Court Street Date: October 13, 2024 at 7:18 PM To: serranocouncil@pasco-wa.gov, milnecouncil@pasco-wa.gov, HarpsterCouncil@pasty-wa.gov Cc: westcourtpasco@gmail.com As a resident of West Court Street, I would like to voice my concern over the ongoing speed and safety problems between Road 100 and Harris Road. It is my understanding that the Pasco Council members are not taking the seriousness of these issues to task because we have not had any "unfortunate" accidents on West Court or Harris Road. The consulting company overseeing the recommendations to the City does not fully understand the impact of the possible unforeseen, costly implications of the current pending solutions. It was suggested that speed bumps were to be installed between Road 100 and the Bridge but the Pasco Fire Department had some objections regarding their longer ladder fire trucks. How often does the fire department drive these vehicles along Court? Truck inspections would be much less money than a $611 M (Project #32) overhaul of West Court with completion in 2027-2030. The answer is becoming more and more important as traffic increases in the area especially with the new residential development at Harris and Court which will be completed before we know it! Reducing the speed limit to 25 MPH and installing a stop sign with a solar powered flashing red light at Road 108 is an easy and inexpensive possible solution. Also, the need to focus on the SAFETY of pedestrians and bicyclists on the Sacajawea Trail is paramount. As a resident who lives on Count, the traffic of these individuals is my number one concern when I drive on West Court. They are on BOTH sides of the street day and night. It will only get busier once the new homes are completed. Does the consulting company understand the uniqueness of this bike/pedestrian lane? The budget deficit facing the City of Pasco should not be a deciding factor when there is a new, massive subdivision going in adjacent to Court Street. The developer should be responsible for the added traffic burdens on Harris and Court the project will create. ProMade Homes should address and pay for traffic improvements NOW. The infrastructure in this entire square mile area is way behind the rapid growth of the Broadmoor/Road 100 building development. At least 500 new resident families with close to 1000 cars, will adversely impact the current traffic flow on Broadmoor, Road 100, West Court and Harris. Currently there is no stop light at Harris and Broadmoor therefore if these new residents want to get to Road 68 where the schools and shopping are located or get on the highway, they will either turn right, TRY and turn left from Harris to Broadmoor or go directly on to West Court "the back way." The answers to this safety question could be easily started. Putting a stop sign with a solar paneled, red flashing light at Road 108 in three directions and slowing traffic to 25 MPH on West Court are two inexpensive steps in the right direction. Hopefully, cars will slow down traveling along West Court. It would be a small and inexpensive step in the right direction. The Public Works Department could re- evaluate with traffic monitors over the following months. How about the radar feedback signs? Maybe re-evaluate the speed bumps too. We don't need an entire "Full Streetscape Project" either. How about a stop sign and a few 25MPH signs? That's easy..... And a few steps in the right direction. Sincerely, 702.683.4832 "Never let the spirit of America die!" From: ljanelh@charter.net Subject: West Court Street safety Date: October 14, 2024 at 9:22AM To: serranocouncil@pasco-wa.gov, milnecouncil@pasco-wa.gov, HarpsterCouncil@pasco-wa.gov, westcourtpasco@gmail.com Cc: westcourtpasco@gmail.com Pasco City Council Members I am writing to request the Council's support to find realistic and effective ways to address the safety issues relevant to West Court Street between Road 100 and the 1182 bridge. Several ideas have been discussed including lowering the speed limit or adding stop signs. These solutions would only be helpful if they were enforceable, and I'm not convinced the City can afford to have that level of police presence in one area. Other ideas include installing roundabouts or "islands" that calm traffic. These ideas require less monitoring, but funding may be an issue as I understand it. As my property taxes continue to rise, I struggle accepting this response to our neighborhood's requests for help. The growth around this area will only exacerbate the problem in the coming years, and waiting until 2027-2030 will likely be too late. Cars routinely go upwards of 60 mph on Court Street at all hours, and my neighbors, their pets and the many Sacajawea Trail users are at real risk of injury or death. Poor planning at the expense of taxpayer safety is inexcusable. We are asking for effective solutions to a documented and growing safety issue. Please act effectively and in a timely manner before our worst fears of what could happen become a reality. Thank you. Lara Hastings From: Jesse Navarrete boboso_29yahoo.com Subject: Court street Date: October 14, 2024 at 10:24AM To: serranocouncil@pasco-wa.gov, milnecouncilgpasco-wa.gov, HarpsterCouncilgpasco-wa.gov, westcourtpascoggmail.com Jesse Navarrete 10811 W Court St Pasco, WA 99301 10/14/24 Pasco City Council Pasco, WA 99301 Dear Council Member's, I am writing to express my concerns regarding the safety of residents, particularly children, along Court Street in Pasco. As a resident of this street, I have observed a significant increase in speeding, high traffic volume, and even instances of drag racing, particularly during the late evening hours. With the impeding construction to start phase 1 of new housing development to start. The volume of traffic is about to grow even more. The safety hazards posed by these activities are of grave concern to me, as my home faces this main road and lacks a protective fence. With children living in my household, the risk of an accident is unacceptably high. The situation not only endangers my family but also all residents and pedestrians in our community. We have a decent volume of walkers, dog walkers, joggers, and bike riders that frequently use this road. I urge the council to consider implementing measures to address these issues. Possible solutions could include increased traffic enforcement, the installation of speed bumps, and more prominent signage to alert drivers to the residential nature of our area. I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to seeing steps taken to enhance the safety of Court Street for all its residents. Sincerely, Jesse Navarrete From: Kathleen Megow kmegow@charter.net Subject: West Court Street between Road 100 and the 1-182 Bridge Date: October 14, 2024 at 4:29 PM To: Dallas Green westcourtpasco@gmail.com, Mayor Pro Tem Milne milnecouncilQpasco-wa.gov, Mayor Serrano serranocouncilCpasco-wa.gov, Council Member Harpster HarpsterCouncil@pasco-wa.gov Mayor Serrano, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, and Council Member Harpster: With regard to the Pasco City Council meeting of October 15, 2024 and the agenda item for Council discussion relative to the ongoing speed and safety problems on West Court Street, between Road 100 and the 1-182 bridge, please consider the following observations. We are long-time Pasco residents and property owners; we have always lived on Court Street. We are now retired, and, as such, have had daily occasion to observe the traffic and speeding on Court Street. The 30 mile -per -hour speed limit in effect is a joke; almost no drivers observe it. On a daily basis, we see cars, trucks, motorcycles, trucks with trailers, semi -trucks, heavy construction equipment, cement trucks, school buses, and more go barreling down Court as if they're in a race. Because of all the heavy equipment traveling down Court Street, cracks in the road have appeared and are getting more numerous. Cracks that had been asphalted in the past are now widening and getting deeper. The former site of Harris Farm is now an active construction site and more and more heavy equipment is being moved in and out of the site, with most of the vehicles pounding down Court. And none of these vehicles observe a 30 mile -per -hour speed limit. Even school buses with hundreds of children go roaring down Court. Any solutions to curbing or ameliorating the above problem would involve money, of course. The City Council doesn't have the money (they never do), and there are budget cutbacks, of course, but how is it that the City Council has approved the construction of an elaborate and very expensive water park on Harris Road (which will no doubt be utilized by only the small number of people who voted for it and not appealing to all the residents who have to pay for it). And ultimately, all the current problems and speeding mentioned above will be greatly exacerbated by the construction of the condos and homes now in process at the former Harris Farm site, plus the construction of additional homes and condos planned for Road 100 by the same developer. This subject has been addressed many times in the past, but we have seen no solutions forthcoming. And it appears the City just does not care. With the excessive speeding and reckless driving, it is just a matter of time until someone is killed on this roadway in Pasco. Kathleen Megow and Louis Boliou, 3713 Road 109, Pasco, Washington From: rmwebring@chartennet Subject: West Court Street Traffic Date: October 15, 2024 at 9:11 AM To: serranocouncil@pasco-wa.gov, milnecouncil@pasco-wa.gov, HarpsterCouncil@pasco-wa.gov, westcourtpasco@gmail.com I am writing to each of you regarding the traffic issues we experience on West Court Street. My comments are specific to the stretch from the intersection with Road 100 up to the bridge underpass. My comments are in direct response to the notice of Council Meeting dated 10/11 /24. In reading the agenda, I was shocked to see that City Staff had concluded that speeds have been determined to be "reasonable and expected for the conditions". This conclusion is in direct conflict with police traffic studies completed and a meeting held early last spring at 10508 West Court Street which was attended by City Staff and Police officers. In that meeting, city Staff discussed the problems and various methods of dealing with it. It was the consensus of all present that we had a significant problem and risk to pedestrians and bicyclists on the Sacajawea Heritage Trail which shares this stretch of West Court Street. City Staff did not dispute the problem then and was in agreement with the need for corrective action. The only conclusion that now makes sense is that the City has overspent on other projects including the East Lewis Street overpass and the major modifications on West Sylvester Street among others and funding is now not available. Thus the narrative has to be changed. The City cannot keep adding high density housing in our area and expect that a bad situation will not get worse. The changes on West Sylvester consisted of a wholesale remake of that street adding sidewalks, a walking /bike trail separated from the street with a curb and ditch, crosswalks, etc. These changes are exceptional and far beyond what is being asked for on West Court Street which handles more foot traffic and bicycle traffic in a day than West Sylvester has in a week. As a pedestrian, one must compete with cars/trucks/busses passing us within 5 feet with no separation or protection. Its absurd! It is time to stop spending money on studies that go nowhere and wasting staff time. It is time to install 4 or 5 speed humps on this stretch of West Court Street in conjunction with lowering the speed limit to 25 mph. We don't need to have a sophisticated design study performed. Speed humps are common; select an existing design and install them. Buy new speed limit signs and install them. The City has probably already spent more on studies and staff time than the cost of this change. Once completed, it will exist with minimal ongoing maintenance costs. We are not willing to accept the excuse that the speed limit cannot be changed or other changes cannot be completed due to the categorization of the street. The City can make a decision that an exceptional circumstance exists and make an exception to normal convention. We live in a neighborhood that is otherwise quiet and safe and does not cost the city a lot of money for emergency services. We pay a lot in taxes on this street and are just asking for a simple, passive solution to a commonly known problem. Thanks you for your consideration. Rod Webring 10504 West Court Street From: diane hart dianehart33@gmail.com Subject: West Court Street concerns Date: October 15, 2024 at 11:22 AM To: serranocouncil@pasco-wa.gov, milnecouncil@pasco-wa.gov, HarpsterCouncil@pasco-wa.gov, Dallas Green westcourtpasco@ gmail.com Good Morning! I'm writing in regards to the traffic concerns I have on West Court St. I live at 10109 W. Court St. and over the few years that I have lived here have witnessed enough poor driving along this street that I would appreciate and welcome some significant changes. 1) A driver ran into my neighbor's garbage can, broke it and garbage was everywhere. We used duct tape to hold it together until she could get a new garbage can. 2) A semi truck hit a mailbox cluster and it punctured his tire. 3) A car hit a bike lane sign, it's still bent. A rearview mirror was left behind. Police were called and one came. The car was long gone. 4) A vehicle ran across my flower bed, broke a sprinkler, drove behind a mailbox cluster and clipped a paper box. 5) A vehicle ran into a boulder next to the flower bed, displaced 4 boulders, and broke a yard light. And these are only the things that I have witnessed in front of my house! All of these incidents could have seriously hurt pedestrians or bicyclists because the vehicles had to cross the thin white line that separates the two. I sure hope we aren't waiting for someone to die before any action is taken. I would support a 25 MPH speed limit. 1 would support stop signs on West Court at Road 101, 103, and 108. 1 would support roundabouts (small residential street style) at Road 100, 101, 103, and 108. They have these in West Seattle and they really work! 1 would support "speed cushions" because I have experienced them and they work. New ones have been installed on Road 98 and on Clover Island. They slow you down to appropriate speeds for the area. They are installing these in West Seattle as well, and they work! I appreciate your time to consider my concerns and I look forward to improvements on West Court St. Diane Hart From: Aaron Richardson aaronscottrichardson@gmail.com Subject: Council email about traffic safety concerns Date: October 15, 2024 at 1:33 PM To: Dallas Green westcourtpasco@gmail.com Dallas, Thanks so much for all your dedicated efforts in addressing this issue. I am not able to attend council meeting tonight, but here is a copy of the email I just sent to all council members: To Whom It May Concern I would like to thank the Pasco City Council and staff for working to address serious safety issues along the Sacajawea Heritage Trail along Court St near Road 100, This is not only a grave risk to the residents in our neighborhood, but also to the hundreds of bicyclists and joggers that utilize the area. Past data has clearly demonstrated the outright scary speeds that many vehicles travel throughout our neighborhood. I have attended previous meetings to voice concern for these safety concerns. We would love to see simple steps that would in reality not be very costly, such as painting crosswalks at some of the intersections with Court St (Road 100, Road 103, Road 108, etc), lowering the speed limit to 25 MPH, adding stop signs to make 3-way/all-way stops, or placing speed cushions, among other options. My understanding is that the city is considering a multimillion dollar plan to calm traffic in the future, years from now. I implore you to consider one or more of these basic steps that could provide more immediate relief and improved safety in our neighborhood within the next 6-12 months. Thank you for your consideration. Aaron Richardson 10309 W Court St. From: Dallas Green dall asgreen 9 charter. net e Subject: 10115 Council Discussion - Sacajawea Trail & West Court Date: October 15, 2024 at 11:01 AM To: serranocouncil@pasco-wa.gov, Dave Milne milnecouncil@pasco-wa.gov, barajascouncil@pasco-wa.gov, blasdelcouncil@pasco-wa.gov, HarpsterCouncil@pasco-wa.gov, Leo Perales PeralesCouncil@pasco-wa.gov, GrimmCouncil@pasco-wa.gov Cc: Adam Lincoln LINCOLNA@pasco-wa.gov City Leaders, This evening the Public Works Department will present you with a few options for traffic calming along West Court Street between Road 100 and the 1-182 Bridge. The phrase of the century contained in the agenda report is "speeds are reasonable and expected." Reasonable by whose standard? Expected by whom? When a pedestrian is killed by a vehicle on the Sacajawea Trail portion of West Court Street, I can assure you that statement by the City will be "Exhibit 1" in the lawsuit brought by survivors. In the opinion of many residents, the calming measures in Alternative 1 and 1A will do little to improve safety: Alternative 1: • Double striping was already installed on West Court this past summer. It has had no effect on speeds. • Delineators (plylons or as some call candlesticks) have already been installed on Road 96. They provide a wonderful device for street racers to test their maneuvering skills with racing around them. As Mayor Serrano expressed concern at a prior meeting, forcing speeding vehicles to weave slightly could create a far bigger problem. Additionally, our neighborhood feels they are unsightly for residents and trail users. Delineators should not be part of the plan. • Radar Feedback Signage is highly supported by the neighborhood. We were all told the signs would be installed this summer and they have not been, now we see they appear to be an open discussion item. • Placement of these signs: Public Works has been told by residents the sign slated for placement near Road 111 puts it too far west of Road 108, where a large amount of commuter traffic enters and exits West Court. Strong consideration must be given to placing that feedback sign EAST of the Road 108 intersection so it may interact with the greatest number of drivers unless the City were to install three signs.. Alternative 1A: • Radar Feedback Signs only option. Please consider the topography of West Court Street in this area; it is over one mile of a straight stretch with only one slight bend. It is a race track. Speed signs will not deter many daily commuter offenders and certainly not those using the street to race. While it will have some positive effect it will not do enough, we need something to break sight lines and physically slow traffic. Alternative 2: • The specifics for this proposal are yet lobe flushed out. Given the proposed cost, one hopes this will bean effective and cosmetically acceptable solution for the trail users and residents_ • The neighborhood has concerns about this alternative: o The timeline for completion is over 5-years out. o There is little belief the City will be able to source the funds necessary. o What was recently done with Sylvester is a complete mess, the City and residents will likely regret the design that was chosen and this same mistake cannot be made on West Court. o Many in the neighborhood hope small residential roundabouts could be installed at Roads 101, 103, and 108 along with a reduced speed limit of 25 and feedback signs. The City must consider what the neighborhood wants and what is needed for effective safety. We must avoid another design nightmare such as the recent work on Sylvester. Time is off the essence, we cannot wait over 5-years for a solution and hope for the funding, I ask the City Council to consider immediately: • Reduce the speed limit to 25 MPH • Install speed cushions as the City just did on Road 96, with spacing possibly being one per block. If speed cushions are ruled out, then consider stop signs at Roads 101, 103, and 108. • For Alternative 2, seek consensus from residents before design work is started so another Sylvester design disaster is not repeated. • The City needs to terminate the contracted engineer who is failing to consider the sheer volume of pedestrian traffic on the trail in his estimate of what is "reasonable," let alone safe. It is NOT acceptable to believe it is "reasonable" to put the family pictured below on the Sacajawea Trail next to cars traveling at over 30 MPH with a great number traveling at nearly twice the posted speed limit (See the two attached PPD speed studies, on page 2 of each study, note the number of cars well over 50 MPH). Thank you, Dallas Green 10508 W Court St Pasco, WA Speed Trailer Court St. and 103 Ej 11-14-23.pdf Speed Trailer Court and 103 5- U 24-23.pdf