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Neighbors press council for guardrail, signage after repeated crashes on Oaks Avenue
Summary
Two Channel Landing residents described three crashes near their homes and asked city staff and council for better signage, speed enforcement and a physical barrier at a curve on State Route 20 (Oaks Avenue).
Two Channel Landing residents told the Anacortes City Council on Feb. 24 that repeated vehicle crashes at a curved stretch of Oaks Avenue near their homes pose an ongoing danger and urged the city to add physical protections and enforcement.
Janine Jolley and Shauna Kitsan described a Dec. 26 hit-and-run that launched a vehicle through a fence and into neighbor yards. They said similar crashes occurred during their three years living on the street and that city staff had replied the most recent event was unlikely to reoccur. The residents disputed that conclusion and requested measures including guardrail, reflective signage, speed enforcement, better lighting or a flashing beacon.
Why it matters: Residents asserted the safety problem is recurring and urged the city to reassess assumptions about crash frequency and clear-zone criteria. Council and staff said they will continue to communicate with neighbors; councilmembers asked staff to provide further analysis, and several members asked for cost estimates and alternatives (for example rapid flashing beacons or intersection bulb-outs) during later Commercial Avenue design discussion.
What residents said: - Janine Jolley described the Dec. 26 hit-and-run that destroyed fence panels and entered yards; she said correspondence from city staff lacked analysis and that engineers characterized the crash as unique. - Shauna Kitsan described three incidents in the same location during the family's three years in Channel Landing and said a city engineer told them the property between the highway and the fence might be private; Kitsan said planning staff clarified the boulevard and sidewalk are likely city-owned.
Council response: Mayor Miller and councilmembers acknowledged the reports and said staff would continue to engage neighbors on options. During subsequent project discussion councilmembers asked staff for cost estimates for intersection and corridor improvements, and several members emphasized prioritizing pedestrian safety.
Next steps: City staff committed to ongoing communication with Channel Landing residents; residents requested a collaborative conversation about possible protective measures and data-based analysis of crash history.
