Description

Greetings,

I writing in concern of the intersection of Wooddale and Garrison. The traffic safety issue is multifaceted but to give context, this intersection is a part of a bike and walking path corridor with the Wooddale path just south and the bridge to Rosland Park (despite being currently down foot and bike traffic is still high). This intersection is also just south of a busy business district as well as several large apartment buildings which often causes a lot of people to use the intersection as a turn around spot. There is heavy off and on parking due to new construction in the area and due to the M.A. Peterson offices. Just north of the intersection is a very steep hill and two corners of the intersection have obstructed views due to trees and vegetation. The NW corner is also the bus stop for over 15 EPS students each day.

I am the resident of the NW corner at 4500 Garrison and spent a lot of time in my front yard. Daily, I witness very close calls between cars as well as cars and pedestrians (particularly kids). Many of the factors I listed above lead to behavior by both car drivers and sometimes bike riders that create safety concerns for pedestrians. These safety concerns are most frequent when car/bike/pedestrian traffic is high during morning and evening commutes and the weekends.

I have also had many neighbors stop me and share concern over that intersection. As the bridge is slated to open up again, this will increase the pedestrian traffic and thus the safety concerns. I am wondering if someone from the city could meet with me and neighbors to discuss possible solutions?

I felt compelled to write today and try to create a safer space as well as formally document the issues with this intersection.

Thank you,
Lana Peterson