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Residents urge faster safety fixes after pedestrian death at Cole and Stevenson intersection
Summary
Multiple residents told the council at the June 22 meeting that the city should expedite pedestrian-safety measures at the Cole and Stevenson intersection and along nearby neighborhood streets after the January death of Eileen Griffith; callers requested lights, signs, enforcement and low-cost interim measures such as hand-held flags.
Several residents used the public-comment period at the June 22 Enumclaw City Council meeting to urge faster action on pedestrian safety following a fatal crash in January.
A public commenter reported that a person hit in January later died and asked the council for updates and pedestrian funding for the Stevenson/Cole corner. "We really need your help," the commenter said, asking for an update on progress and funding for improvements.
A second speaker identified by another resident as John described his military service and appealed for enforcement and engineering changes: "So please put in the lights, put in the signs 25 miles an hour, and take people's cars away and do something, please," he said, urging covert speed checks and a stronger enforcement presence.
Resident Nora Tackenboge said the driver failed to stop and asked whether temporary measures—such as the small red handheld flags used by some cities—could be used to increase driver awareness at the intersection. "I just hope that, you know, Eileen's death wasn't in vain," she said.
Longtime resident Cindy Proctor spoke about safety issues on Rilla and Melody Lanes: drivers cutting through neighborhoods, missing ADA-compliant curb ramps, an active bus stop that increases pedestrian exposure, and on-street parking that reduces visibility. She said the neighborhood has documented stop-sign violations and offered that the city reconsider lower-cost traffic-calming options, improved curb access and a short-term drop-off area near Cole Street and the library.
None of the public comments resulted in an immediate council motion or formal directive on June 22. Residents asked for timelines and specific funding updates; council did not provide a specific implementation schedule during the meeting. The council’s public-safety committee has discussed e-motorcycle and traffic-safety issues and staff previously indicated an education and enforcement focus.
