In a recent government meeting, a heated discussion emerged regarding the future of 92nd Avenue, a narrow dirt road that has become a point of contention among local residents. Sharon Farmer Dressel, a long-time property owner, voiced her concerns about the road's safety and accessibility, particularly in light of recent developments in the area.
Dressel, who has lived on 92nd Avenue since 1987, highlighted the challenges posed by the road's 16-foot width, which she described as insufficient for two vehicles to pass. She noted that the construction of new homes by Columbia Ridge Home LLC has further restricted access, leaving her as the primary user of the road. Dressel expressed frustration over the city's planning decisions, claiming that city planners assured her that access to 92nd would be limited to her property and that the road would eventually be blocked at the north end.
The meeting also featured comments from other residents, including the Hoff family, who argued for keeping 92nd Avenue open for their access. Dressel countered their claims by recounting dangerous incidents involving speeding vehicles on the road, including a tragic accident that resulted in the death of a neighbor and a near-miss involving her own daughter.
Dressel emphasized that if the city allows continued public access to 92nd Avenue, it must take responsibility for upgrading and maintaining the road, a burden she believes the city is unwilling to shoulder. She concluded her testimony by stating her intention to gate the road if it remains open to the public, citing ongoing safety concerns.
The meeting underscored the complexities of balancing development with community safety, as residents grapple with the implications of increased traffic on a road that many consider inadequate for current demands. The city now faces the challenge of addressing these concerns while navigating the pressures of ongoing development in the area.