Lake Forest Park council adopts 'Healthy Streets' map for neighborhood traffic calming

The Lake Forest Park City Council voted unanimously on Jan. 9 to add a "Healthy Streets" option to the city's Neighborhood Traffic Calming program and to adopt a map of candidate streets for the program.

Administrator Phil Hill explained the action as a final step in a multi-year process: "The only thing you're here tonight to look at is the map," Hill said, noting the program requires neighborhood sign-on and engineering review.

Under the adopted framework, a street designated as a Healthy Street would remain open to local vehicular traffic, emergency services and essential vehicles but would be promoted as a space for walking, rolling, biking and neighborhood activity. The program requires a 70% sign-on from neighbors in any block or study area before a Healthy Street can be implemented and directs staff to return with design options if neighbors approve.

Council members asked for clarifications about on-the-ground treatment and enforcement. Council Member Lebo noted the resolution’s language describing streets "open to people walking, rolling, biking, playing" and asked whether implementation would include physical closures or rely on signs. Administrator Hill said design specifics would come later and that the intent is generally low-key measures — signage, paint or plantings — not full street closures: "It was not to physically close the street or block off one of the lanes. It was just more of a signage design," Hill said.

Council Member Riddle said some neighborhoods may adopt visual cues like road painting to signal the street’s new role, and Vice Chair Forattani referenced a similar Seattle pilot where the streets remained functional for cars while visible cues reduced traffic volume.

Action and vote

Vice Chair Forattani moved Resolution 25‑1995; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously. The council recorded no amendments.

Why it matters

The Healthy Streets initiative is designed to give neighborhoods a low-cost, locally driven tool to slow traffic and promote nonmotorized activity on local residential streets when engineering solutions are impractical. By building a map into the formal traffic-calming program, the city creates a clear path for neighbors to propose, approve and design measures that fit local needs.

Next steps

Public works staff will work with the city’s traffic engineering consultant and neighborhood groups on site-specific designs after a 70% neighborhood approval is obtained. The city plans standard outreach through its newsletters and e‑news to inform neighbors about the program and the adopted map.