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Council hears neighborhood pleas to slow traffic; speed-limit ordinance sent to committee
Summary
After a residents’ public hearing in which neighbors described narrow streets, children at play and repeat speeding, Goldendale councilors agreed to send the proposed ordinance to reduce several neighborhood streets to 15 mph to the ordinance committee for more technical review and mapping.
Residents and councilors pressed Goldendale officials on measures to curb high speeds on 21st Street, Chatfield Place, Jackson Street and Vincent Court, but the council declined to adopt an immediate law and instead referred the issue for technical review.
At the council’s public hearing on the proposed 15 mph limit, several residents said the streets are narrow, frequently lined with parked cars and used by children and elderly people. "I have grandchildren and a lot of elderlies that walk," said Bridal Casimiro, who lives on East 21st, urging action to slow traffic. Cheryl Swearington described vehicles squeezing past parked cars and older neighbors who cannot easily step out of the way. Resident Steve Patton recommended speed bumps or additional stop/yield signage.
Council members and staff discussed alternatives to an immediate ordinance. Police Chief Mike Smith and others cautioned that changing posted limits without enforcement or accompanying engineering measures may not substantially change driver behavior in a cul-de-sac-style neighborhood. Chief Smith noted enforcement and technical solutions are limited by staffing and street geometry.
Councilors asked for more technical justification and supporting maps. One councilor moved that future geospatial decisions include a map with the ordinance; the motion passed. The council voted to table Ordinance 15 52 and referred it to the ordinance committee for a more detailed review, including recommended signage, potential speed-calming devices, and a map of the affected segments. The ordinance committee will meet on Jan. 13 at 4:00 p.m.; the council scheduled a follow-up to receive the committee’s recommendation.
What’s next: The ordinance will return to the council after the ordinance committee compiles technical data and a recommended plan that may include signage placement, cost estimates for speed bumps and options for targeted enforcement.
