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Resident urges city action on MLK drag racing and speeding in public comment
Summary
During the public-comment period, Brian Jewell said residents along MLK Road are experiencing high-speed racing since the speed limit was raised and asked the city to take action on enforcement and speed limits.
During the public-comment portion of the meeting Brian Jewell addressed the council to report ongoing high-speed driving and drag racing on MLK Road and asked what the city intends to do to address it.
Jewell said he has lived near MLK for 13 years and described motorists traveling well above the posted speed limit. He said the posted speed was changed from 35 to 45 miles per hour and that drivers often exceed the limit by large margins; he reported observing drivers doing "70, 75" and said the behavior included nightly high-speed runs and repeated problems since the COVID period.
He expressed frustration with criminal consequences, saying recent crashes led to misdemeanor charges and asking why the city or law enforcement appear limited in response. "These guys almost killed people, and they're getting charged with a misdemeanor? What's going on with Lansing?" he asked. He also said police officers told him that liability and court outcomes limit enforcement effectiveness.
Jewell suggested lowering the speed limit on the MLK corridor where it passes through residential areas and asked whether the council and city will take further action on enforcement and traffic safety.
Ending: The council did not take immediate action during the public-comment item; the comment was recorded as part of the public-comment period and the council proceeded to departmental budget presentations.
