It seems so simple and clever to reclaim the peace and calm of a neighborhood by simply constructing a gate across a street, whether or not it was intended to be a thoroughfare. Unfortunately, it seems a group of residents have been able to justify safety, peace and quiet of one area at the expense of safety and convenience in another adjoining area. It is equivalent to saving the life of one Siamese twin at expense to the life of the other. It is only a matter of time until someone is severely harmed because of the necessity to drive around that gate in case of an emergency and an injury may well be to the folks that promoted the gate.
We here on Beverly Boulevard in Everett would benefit greatly by a similar gate. How wonderful it would be to close the street to through traffic so our children would dare to even walk on the sidewalk. Never mind those folks who rapidly need a fire engine or ambulance at the mall or on the freeways.
Neighbors must work together to resolve issues to benefit all. There are always alternative solutions to any problem. West of Highway 99 in Lynnwood off of 180th Street, the people of Lynnwood installed major barriers so the traffic was required to wiggle to a very slow pace for the safety of the residents. It would have been a natural for a gate but, with a little forethought, the issues were resolved without a gate.
The appropriate officials on both sides should meet to find an alternative solution that benefits all of the residents in the entire area and avoid the temptation to enhance the perceived comfort of the most influential.
Everett
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