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Residents urge immediate action after fatal crash at First and F streets; commission asks staff to coordinate with police and traffic engineer
Summary
Three relatives and neighbors urged the planning commission to pursue a stop sign or other traffic controls at First and F streets after a recent fatal collision near multiple crosswalks and schools; staff said it would coordinate with the police department and city engineer and encouraged residents to also contact law enforcement.
Several residents urged the Planning Commission during public comment to seek immediate traffic-calming measures at the intersection of First and F streets after a fatal collision, and commissioners and staff agreed to coordinate with the police department and the city traffic engineer to evaluate options.
Karen Deep Karr and Jewel Karr identified themselves during the Feb. 11 public-comment period and described the recent death of a family member at that intersection on Feb. 7. Jewel Karr said her brother "passed away February 7 at 04:30PM" and told the commission the crossing has four crosswalks but only two stop signs. She said vehicles frequently travel at high speed and that a nearby school and church produce pedestrian activity.
Commissioners and staff responded that they would raise the concern with public-safety agencies. Miguel (staff) said staff would "work with the police department and the city engineer about that intersection." Vice Chair Renee Mendonca said she would email the city traffic engineer the next day to get the location on the city’s radar and encouraged the family to contact the police department as well.
Other public commenters described repeated collisions and near-misses near the same corner. Niaj Lo Vega, who identified himself as a neighborhood resident, said he had observed multiple crashes and close calls in recent months and noted young drivers frequently use the street as a speed corridor. Another commenter who gave her name as Cherokee described neighbors who said the intersection has seen multiple accidents and that there are no stop signs between Prusso and Third Street, a distance that allows drivers to pick up speed.
Action and next steps: commissioners asked staff to coordinate with the police department and city traffic engineering staff to evaluate the intersection for stop signs or other traffic-calming measures and to consider increased enforcement. Staff also encouraged residents to contact the police department and to raise the issue with the City Council. No legislative action or traffic-control order was adopted at the meeting; the item was recorded as public comment and a staff follow-up request.
