Residents demand immediate safety fixes after 7-year-old killed at 196th and Tomlinson; mayor vows long-term review

Emily Rub told the Westfield City Council she was "here tonight to demand emergency action" after a fatal crash at 196th and Tomlinson Road that took the life of 7‑year‑old Graham Steedam. She said a parent had warned the city engineer in October 2025 about heavy pedestrian traffic and that the city has legal leverage in its Unified Development Ordinance to require developers to provide pedestrian safety infrastructure.

Rub urged an immediate three‑way stop or a permanent 25 mph speed limit at the intersection, saying the road currently is clocked at 40 mph and is one of the few school‑adjacent roads in Westfield at that speed. "A high‑visibility crosswalk forces drivers to slow down and gives children a chance," she said. Rub also noted the city has spent millions nearby on tourism infrastructure and criticized what she described as deliberations occurring "behind closed doors."

Jack Feldman, who said he is not a Westfield resident, described a site visit and told councilors the intersection appears to lack pedestrian facilities despite an elementary school and an early learning center on opposite legs of the road. He commended the city's recent reduction of the school zone speed from 30 to 25 mph and the installation of flashing signs but recommended crosswalk installation in stages, temporary measures or school crossing guards.

Council member Victor McCarty and the public were cited in public comment as supporting an immediate three‑way stop; the school superintendent, identified by a commenter as Dr. John Atha, had also suggested that exact option, according to speakers. No formal council vote on traffic changes was taken at the meeting.

Mayor (name on record) offered condolences to the Steedam family and said city staff, the county, police, fire and engineering have already met to review options. The mayor said the city controls only one of the four corners of the intersection; other corners involve county jurisdiction or private landowners, and federal protections limit tree removal in the area. He said two paths are being pursued but cautioned there are no quick fixes and pledged to meet with the family before making public announcements. "Solutions are coming," he said.

The council did not take formal action at the meeting. The mayor said more information will be shared after staff completes further review and meets with the family; school begins August 17, which speakers cited as a near‑term scheduling consideration.