Residents urge immediate traffic-safety steps after pedestrian death at Cole and Stevenson

Residents appealed to the Enumclaw City Council on June 22 for immediate action to reduce pedestrian risks at the intersection of Cole Street and Stevenson after a January crash that killed neighborhood resident Eileen Griffith.

A longtime resident who identified himself as a Navy veteran described repeated near-misses and said the community cannot tolerate more deaths: "I am now 76 years old. I'd like to live to a 100, and I cross that street, and people just zoom by," he said. Another resident asked the council for an update on planned work and requested temporary, low-cost measures—hand-held red flags, clearer signage or increased enforcement—while permanent funding and construction are scheduled.

Nora Tackenboge, who said she has lived in the city since the 1990s, told council members she understands the city has funding constraints but urged the council to adopt interim measures so "Eileen's death wasn't in vain." Cindy Proctor, a neighborhood resident, added that local streets such as Rilla and Melody Lanes also suffer speeding, missing ADA curb ramps and increased cut-through traffic; she said she has video evidence of drivers running stop signs and called for reflective markings, turn restrictions or other low-cost calming options.

Council members did not vote on specific safety measures during the meeting but acknowledged the public comments; the items raised were transmitted to staff and committees for follow-up. Residents asked for clearer timelines and for the city to prioritize both short-term enforcement and an earlier funding plan than the "January" date mentioned by a commenter.