Residents of the Lake Washington Boulevard area voiced urgent concerns regarding traffic safety and noise disturbances during a recent government meeting. Mike Vanderslice, a local resident, highlighted alarming incidents of reckless driving, including motorcycles performing wheelies and cars speeding past crosswalks, particularly near Houghton Park. He emphasized the dangers posed to pedestrians, especially families with children, and noted a troubling trend of vehicles misusing turn lanes as passing lanes, exacerbating the risk of accidents.
Vanderslice acknowledged ongoing police efforts to address these issues but argued that current enforcement measures are insufficient to keep pace with the growing problem. He expressed a desire for constructive engagement with local authorities and suggested potential solutions, although he did not specify them during his allotted time.
Evelyn Blatt, another resident, echoed Vanderslice's concerns, focusing on the excessive noise from speeding cars and motorcycles, particularly during peak hours in the evenings and weekends. She reported that the noise has severely impacted the quality of life for residents, making it difficult to enjoy their homes. Blatt called for stricter enforcement of existing noise regulations and referenced a previous noise study that has yet to yield results. She proposed reinstating effective signage regarding fines for modified mufflers and suggested measures such as speed bumps and reduced speed limits to mitigate the issues.
The meeting underscored a growing frustration among residents regarding traffic safety and noise pollution, with calls for immediate action from local government officials to enhance community safety and well-being.