I am dismayed that this project is continuing to go forward. I get steamed up everytime I read more about it. In months/years past, I have submitted comments, but have never heard a response. I hope someone pulls the plug on the project before the first spade of earth is turned.
1. Regarding safety, Ben Yazici says, "We have a lot of accidents along the Parkway." What is "a lot" - 1 or 2 a year? 8 or 9 a year? I ride my bike on the Parkway and feel quite safe. In fact, I feel a WHOLE lot safer that I do on 228th! We already have a new path down by the lake. Let's just pave it like they do in Europe, and be done with it.
2. The project is said to be completed in 3 phases through the year 2024, 17 years of construction! We put a man on the moon in less time than that. If it must be done, let's get it out of the way as fast as possible. In 17 years, we are going to have to go back and widen it more anyway.
3. Speaking of widening it, the current plan still provides only one lane each direction. Traffic will not be mitigated one bit.
4. The addition of left turn pockets may help traffic a little. But I have to say that I have lived here for over 15 years, and I rarely am slowed down by left-turning traffic on the Parkway.
5. I think Yazici put the true reason into a nutshell when he said "The other thing to remember is that the parkwway is a qateway to our city. This is going to make it a lot more attractive." Sammamish is a beautiful city, and the drive along the lake is one of the prettiest around. The addition of curbs and a planted median strip is not going to add a whole lot. Let us not be so elitist as to spend tens of millions of dollars on a "gateway" to our city just as a beautification project.
Idea no 1: Address gridlock and current unbearable traffic situation. It is unacceptable to waste 1.5 hrs a day commuting less than 7 miles to Microsoft! More lanes, less new building, ease traffic. NO EXCUSES. Would love to hear your thoughts and plan. Idea no 2: Govt preparedness for emergencies and natural disasters. What happened last winter is outrageous and shameful (third-world really). Sammamish citizens should be able to rely on their local govt (sand roads, traffic direction when lights go out, etc). Need to have effective rapid response plans in place to deal with emergencies and natural disasters. Your thoughts please?
Idea no 3: Accountability. Be accoutable to the public. I do not see this with our current govt. Can you please address?
Love the idea blog. Disappointed to see how little discussion it has generated.
I too am dismayed that the City Council does not listen to its' citizens. I posted a long item on the Issues and where I stand. I hope this clears up any questions on where I am coming from in this race.
Nick, I just don't think the word has gotten out yet. Also, when I win the city website will have one. That is something I will push for and will make happen.
4 comments:
Stan,
Re: E Lk Sam Pkwy
I am dismayed that this project is continuing to go forward. I get steamed up everytime I read more about it. In months/years past, I have submitted comments, but have never heard a response. I hope someone pulls the plug on the project before the first spade of earth is turned.
1. Regarding safety, Ben Yazici says, "We have a lot of accidents along the Parkway." What is "a lot" - 1 or 2 a year? 8 or 9 a year? I ride my bike on the Parkway and feel quite safe. In fact, I feel a WHOLE lot safer that I do on 228th! We already have a new path down by the lake. Let's just pave it like they do in Europe, and be done with it.
2. The project is said to be completed in 3 phases through the year 2024, 17 years of construction! We put a man on the moon in less time than that. If it must be done, let's get it out of the way as fast as possible. In 17 years, we are going to have to go back and widen it more anyway.
3. Speaking of widening it, the current plan still provides only one lane each direction. Traffic will not be mitigated one bit.
4. The addition of left turn pockets may help traffic a little. But I have to say that I have lived here for over 15 years, and I rarely am slowed down by left-turning traffic on the Parkway.
5. I think Yazici put the true reason into a nutshell when he said "The other thing to remember is that the parkwway is a qateway to our city. This is going to make it a lot more attractive." Sammamish is a beautiful city, and the drive along the lake is one of the prettiest around. The addition of curbs and a planted median strip is not going to add a whole lot. Let us not be so elitist as to spend tens of millions of dollars on a "gateway" to our city just as a beautification project.
Idea no 1: Address gridlock and current unbearable traffic situation. It is unacceptable to waste 1.5 hrs a day commuting less than 7 miles to Microsoft! More lanes, less new building, ease traffic. NO EXCUSES. Would love to hear your thoughts and plan.
Idea no 2: Govt preparedness for emergencies and natural disasters. What happened last winter is outrageous and shameful (third-world really). Sammamish citizens should be able to rely on their local govt (sand roads, traffic direction when lights go out, etc). Need to have effective rapid response plans in place to deal with emergencies and natural disasters. Your thoughts please?
Idea no 3: Accountability. Be accoutable to the public. I do not see this with our current govt. Can you please address?
Love the idea blog. Disappointed to see how little discussion it has generated.
I too am dismayed that the City Council does not listen to its' citizens. I posted a long item on the Issues and where I stand. I hope this clears up any questions on where I am coming from in this race.
Nick, I just don't think the word has gotten out yet. Also, when I win the city website will have one. That is something I will push for and will make happen.
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