HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/1/2018 Item 2, Mills
From:melanie mills <
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Laurel Lane Complete Street
Dear Council Members:
RE May 1st, Item 2 - Laurel Lane Complete Street
I am writing to voice my support for the Laurel Lane Complete Street Project additive alternatives for safer, more
comfortable access of the public right-of-way by users of all types, ages, and abilities. I live and also work within blocks
of Laurel Lane. My family members regularly drive, walk, and ride our bikes in the project area. The Augusta and
Southwood intersections are both heavily used by walkers of all ages, including elderly residents in wheelchairs, and
cyclists, many of which are children. Although the vehicle waits at intersections are minimal, drivers are often in a hurry
and not always "seeing" pedestrians and cyclists. I have witnessed more close calls that I can count. I recently watched
the crossing guard at August narrowly miss being struck by a car that was rushing off the stop line.
In my opinion the greatest issues are:
Excessively high speeds.
Extremely wide crossing distances.
Low driver awareness of pedestrians and cyclists in the intersection
I believe the following project additive alternatives will help remedy these issues:
1. Reduce travel lanes to one in each direction
2. Install two-way center turn lane
3. Install buffers between the travel lane and bicycle lane
4. Stripe the existing crosswalks as high-visibility crosswalks
5. Provide sidewalk bulb outs at the intersections of Laurel/Southwood and Laurel/Augusta
In addition to these items, I would also like to see more trees planted along this corridor where possible. Trees and
understory Landscape offer multiple benefits to the community including reducing vehicle speeds, providing shade to
lower urban heat island, providing green stormwater infrastructure functions, and enhancing the overall look of the
street and experience for users.
Thank you for supporting projects in our City that move us toward our 20% mode shift and Climate Action goals.
Sincerely,
Melanie Mills
2456 Gerda Street
SLO
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