EDMONDS — Speeding and sidewalks, specifically near 76th Avenue and Meadowdale Beach Road, were the hot topics brought up by concerned community members at the first Edmonds City Council community outreach meeting June 29.
No council action could be taken because it was deemed a community outreach meeting. The new addition to the regular meetings are scheduled for the fifth Tuesday of the month, and are intended as a forum for dialogue between the community and City Council members, city officials said.
About 35 residents attended Tuesday’s meeting, mostly to discuss the dangers of speeding motorists and the lack of sidewalks around 76th Avenue and Meadowdale Beach Road.
Resident Michael King said he has seen motorists in the area driving well above the posted 25 mph speed limit, sometimes in the excess of 40 to 60 mph. He’s also seen numerous car accidents at the main intersection, which has no stop sign, King said.
“Cars go down there like a bat out of Hades,” one resident said.
“It’s like Russian roulette on that corner,” another added.
Several residents said they fear for their safety when they walk on 76th Avenue because there are no sidewalks.
“When we want to go to the beach, we put the stroller in the car and drive the half mile down there because we feel it’s not safe to walk,” said Henry Chang.
One resident said she has considered selling her property because of the dangerous walking conditions.
“We have to get in the car and drive over the hill just to take a walk,” she said.
After listening to more than an hour of comments on the subject, council member Richard Marin suggested the issue be considered for the consent agenda at a future City Council meeting. He also suggested stop signs be considered at the intersection as a short-term solution.
“At the very least we should consider that,” Marin said.
Council member Jeff Wilson said he plans to ask city engineers to research the issues and determine potential costs for sidewalks, and will relay that information via mail and possibly the city’s Web site.
However, City Council members said money will be the major hurdle towards getting sidewalks put in the area.
“My understanding is that this area is number one on the list for sidewalks,” council member Deanna Dawson said. “The issue is there’s no funding.”
Dawson urged community members to attend City Council meetings during annual budget discussions this fall.
“Road projects in general are something that’s been cut from council budget in recent years,” Dawson said. “It’s important we do hear this from everybody now … but during the budget process we need to hear these things again.”
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