During a recent city council meeting, members discussed pressing concerns regarding traffic safety and speeding in various neighborhoods. Council member Parales emphasized the need for immediate action to lower speed limits from 30 to 25 miles per hour, citing successful changes made in Spokane as a model. He expressed frustration with the current bureaucratic processes that delay implementing safety measures and called for more speed humps and traffic calming measures to enhance safety for residents, particularly near schools and parks.
Parales noted that he had observed reckless driving firsthand, with vehicles speeding around existing speed humps, and urged the council to take residents' concerns seriously. He proposed a motion to expedite the process of lowering speed limits and increasing traffic calming measures, highlighting the importance of acting swiftly rather than waiting for further studies or consultations.
Council member Grama echoed these sentiments, linking the speeding issue to broader societal concerns about civility and lawfulness. He pointed out that speeding is not just a local issue but reflects a larger trend affecting communities. Grama supported the idea of implementing mini roundabouts as a potential solution to mitigate speeding in residential areas.
The discussion also touched on the need for infrastructure improvements, particularly in light of upcoming developments that could increase traffic. Council members raised questions about the feasibility of moving forward with planned projects, such as a roundabout at Road 100, to address safety concerns proactively.
Additionally, the council explored the installation of radar feedback signs to monitor and deter speeding. These signs would display the speed of approaching vehicles and record data to assess their effectiveness in reducing speeding incidents.
Overall, the meeting underscored a collective urgency among council members to prioritize traffic safety and respond to community concerns, with plans for further discussions and potential motions to implement changes in the near future.