Dear residents of Redmond
I write this blog post with deep concern and a solid commitment to our community's well-being and using LinkedIn for broader reach. Recently, a decision was made to open the gate on the 172nd Avenue corridor, and it has ignited significant unease among residents, myself included. As a resident of Parkridge at the Woodlands in the Education Hill area, I felt compelled to raise awareness about the concerns surrounding this decision and advocate for a safer, more sustainable, and inclusive approach. The city is proceeding with removing this barrier in order to improve traffic flow. Once removed, the corridor will be bi-directional. Up-to-date information is now located on the City’s webpage.
Safety Concerns for Our Neighborhood: The potential increase of 5,000 vehicles passing through our neighborhood per day has raised serious safety concerns, especially with the recent establishment of Clara Barton Elementary School nearby. Our area already experiences high traffic volumes, and the proposed opening of 172nd Avenue would create yet another shortcut for traffic, adding to the existing congestion on 116th Street. Just days ago, a car speeding through the crosswalk hit the crossing guard's flag with children present. This is simply unacceptable. We have witnessed tragic incidents where black bear cubs were hit by speeding cars, emphasizing the urgent need to address road safety and protect our wildlife.
Environmental Impact and Ecological Preservation: Preserving our natural environment is a shared priority for our community. The decision to open the gate on 172nd Avenue also raises concerns about the potential environmental consequences, particularly in relation to our wildlife and community parks such as the Smith Wood. Conducting a comprehensive ecological study will enable us to understand the potential effects on our local animal population and make informed decisions that align with our commitment to environmental preservation. Moreover, it is vital to assess the capacity of our existing road infrastructure to handle the ecological impacts of the significant increase in traffic, ensuring the protection of our valuable wildlife and water sources.
Inclusive Decision-Making and Public Involvement: Public involvement is a cornerstone of a thriving and democratic community. However, it is disconcerting that the promised public meeting to discuss the city's plan has yet to be scheduled. Ignoring stated engineering and safety recommendations and requirements is breaking previous agreements and promises while disregarding court orders made as far back as 2007. From what I understand, Redmond is basing the approval of this project on old information and outdated traffic patterns and impact studies.
Conclusion: I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all residents, Mayor Angela Birney , and members of the City of Redmond, WA Council for taking the time to consider our concerns. We urge you to prioritize our neighborhood's safety, well-being, and environmental sustainability and engage in a more collaborative and transparent dialogue. Together, let us work towards a solution that safeguards our community, protects our natural environment, and upholds the values of inclusivity and public participation.
For more information and if you want to support, click here
Update 06/16/2023: online petition to City of Redmond, WA and King County, WA can be signed here
Vanessa Kritzer Angela Birney Aaron Bert, MPA
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