HomeMy WebLinkAbout7/19/2022 Item 6i, MinnickJuly 17, 2022
Mayor and City Council Members
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Dear Mayor and City Council Members,
My name is Lacey and my husband's name is Jake, and we are writing to express our support
for Agenda Item #6.i, which proposes the advancement of critical projects designed to improve
the safety of various intersections for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.
More specifically, we are delighted with the phased plan that City staff is proposing for the
Johnson Avenue and Sydney Street intersection that involves: (1) reducing the number of auto
lanes on Johnson Avenue between Bishop Street and Laurel Lane; (2) creating buffered bike
lanes in each direction; and (3) replacing the single nearly invisible blinking light with modern
Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons on each corner and in the center median.
In the past three years that we have lived in this immediate neighborhood, we have personally
contacted first responders about two serious vehicular accidents at the intersection of Johnson
Avenue and Sydney Street. One of those accidents involved a driver making a left turn from
Johnson Avenue onto Sydney Street, colliding head-on with traffic, and rolling over. We very
much appreciate City staff tracking and carefully studying these situations, and identifying
cost-effective and reasonable solutions in a timely manner.
We hope that, when complete, the proposed plan reduces illegal speeding and unsafe driving
practices, and simultaneously improves the safety of children and parents walking across
Johnson Avenue on their way to and from Sinsheimer Elementary School along with cyclists on
their way to and from the popular Railroad Safety Trail.
While it may not be convenient to "slow down," particularly for the residents of this immediate
neighborhood, we understand that, along with the other proposed intersection enhancements,
this is a proven approach to reducing and preventing vehicular accidents.
Finally, we would like to express our appreciation for the time and effort City staff has invested in
this matter, and strongly urge the City Council to approve their recommendation to advance
these important projects.
Sincerely,
Lacey and Jake Minnick