Residents demand speed bumps on Twelfth Avenue to halt dangerous traffic conditions

In the heart of Puyallup, a concerned resident stood before the city council, her voice trembling with urgency as she described the alarming situation on Twelfth Avenue. Kimberly, a local homeowner, painted a vivid picture of a neighborhood plagued by reckless driving, where the sound of screeching tires has become a distressing soundtrack to daily life. "People are treating Twelfth Avenue like a drag strip," she lamented, highlighting the dangers posed to both pets and pedestrians alike.

The intersection near Cascade Christian School has seen a surge in traffic since the school expanded its grades to include K-12, exacerbating an already critical situation. Kimberly recounted heart-wrenching incidents, including the loss of a neighbor's cat and a near-miss involving a young boy in a wheelchair. "Somebody is going to lose their life," she warned, pleading for the installation of speed bumps to deter speeding drivers. Her heartfelt appeal resonated with the council, who acknowledged the need for a structured traffic calming process and promised to follow up with her.

As the meeting progressed, John Hopkins, a council member, shifted the focus to lighter topics, commending the city's parks and the ongoing improvements at the 5 Mile Loop and Van Lierp Park. He praised the thoughtful design of new play equipment, which reflects a charming barn-like aesthetic, and expressed gratitude for the safety enhancements along Inter Avenue.

The council's discussions underscored a community grappling with pressing safety concerns while also celebrating the strides made in local parks and infrastructure. As residents like Kimberly rally for change, the city faces the challenge of balancing urgent safety measures with ongoing development and community engagement. The meeting concluded with a sense of hope, as the council committed to addressing the pressing issues raised, leaving residents eager for tangible solutions in the near future.