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Residents press Enumclaw council for action after pedestrian dies at Cole and Stevenson
Summary
Multiple residents used public comment June 22 to urge the city to accelerate pedestrian-safety measures at the Cole and Stevenson intersection after the recent death of Eileen Griffith, requesting lights, signage, enforcement and temporary measures while longer-term designs are planned.
Enumclaw — During public comment on June 22, several residents urged the council and staff to accelerate pedestrian-safety work at the Cole and Stevenson intersection following a recent fatal collision.
A resident who spoke without giving a name said they had left city staff a message after the January crash and asked for an update on plans for the Stevenson/Cole corner, stressing urgency after the death of a local woman. John, introduced by the prior speaker, told council he served in the Navy and asked that the city install lights, enforce speed limits and consider speed checks to stop drivers who use phones and drive at high speed.
"My name is Nora Tackenboge, and I am a city resident," said Nora, who told council, "we lost Eileen Griffith due to somebody not stopping at that sign." Nora urged temporary low-cost solutions such as the handheld flag markers used in nearby cities while larger projects are scheduled.
Cindy Proctor, a longtime resident, urged the council to reconsider prior denials for traffic calming on Rilla and Melody lanes, citing missing ADA-compliant curb cuts, heavy pedestrian and bus-stop use, on-street parking that obstructs sightlines and repeated near-miss behavior. She said she can provide video documentation of drivers failing to stop and suggested mid-block reflective markings, clearer crosswalk signage, and a drop-off area near Cole Street to reduce shortcutting through neighborhoods.
The council did not take formal action during public comment. Council and staff previously noted that some projects may not be scheduled until January; residents asked for specific timelines and interim safety measures. The Public Safety Committee reported on staffing and enforcement resources and said a block-camera program will be operational by mid-July; police will also conduct an education push related to new e-bike law provisions.
