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Residents urge immediate safety measures after pedestrian death at Cole and Stevenson intersection
Summary
Residents told the council that a pedestrian hit in January later died and urged interim measures — signage, flags, enforcement and lighting — while permanent traffic-calming work is planned, pressing the city for a faster timeline and clearer funding updates.
Residents appealed to the council during public comment to speed up pedestrian-safety work at the Cole and Stevenson intersection following a January crash that later proved fatal.
At the start of public comment a resident said a person hit in January had since died and asked the council for an update on plans for the intersection and for pedestrian funding or interim measures to prevent another death. A veteran who spoke next described frequent speeding and distracted drivers and urged enforcement, speed monitoring and physical changes such as lights and signs. "Please put in the lights, put in the signs 25 miles an hour, and take people's cars away," the veteran said.
Nora Tackenboge, a longtime city resident, said the deceased was Eileen Griffith and urged the council to consider lower-cost interim measures — hand-held flags and other high-visibility cues — while capital work remains delayed. "I just hope that, you know, Eileen's death wasn't in vain," she said.
Cindy Proctor, who identified herself as a longtime Enumclaw resident, provided a longer account of safety issues on Rilla and Melody Lanes, noting missing ADA ramps that force pedestrians into traffic, cut-through drivers using neighborhood streets because Cole Street is often closed, and video evidence she said documents repeated violations. She asked the council to reconsider lower-cost traffic-calming options such as reflective markings and enhanced crosswalk signage.
No formal staff response or timetable for immediate interim measures was recorded in the meeting minutes provided; the public-safety committee previously discussed the issue and related enforcement options. The comments prompted council members to note concern; the council did not take a formal vote or adopt an immediate directive during this meeting.
