09-28-1988 - Agenda Packet City Council - regular meeting

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Page 'three August 34 1988 I recognize I am not the first individual to raise the issue, although I was not aware that a petition had been filed in 1985 by my neighbors. I nevertheless feel constrained to speak out now, having had or observed three close calls myself. I would also like to comment upon my own views with regard to the possible solutions. Ideally, parking should be prohibited an both sides of County Road 51 along Crystal Bay. The fact that parking is prohibited on both sides of County Road 19 and on both sides of County Road 51 to the east of Tonka-ra Road, as well as on most if not all of the other county roads winding through residential parts of the lake area; highlights the fact that safety officials have obviously determined such a restriction is an appropriate means of ensuring the safety of pedestrian home owners who own property on both sides of the road, as well as joggers, walkers, and cyclists. I have review9d the public record that came about as a result of the earlier petition. It does not appear the safety issue was adequately addressed; apparently because no one has been hurt or killed yet. I challenge any government official to locate and find a publi. safety or law enforcement official who can comfortably say these pictures depict a situation that is safe for all concerned. Another altnerative which has been discussed is to widen the paved shoulder along the north side of County Road 51. This only superficially addresses the issue Certainly, it would be nice if the shoulder of the road was wide enough to accommodate the vehicles so it would not be necessary to trample the boulevard. However, a wider lane would only exacerbate the problem that there is no line of vision for anyone standing along the boulevard on the south side of County Road 51 looking west. It would still be necessary for a pedestrian to actually enter the roadway in order to make a firm determination of whether there is traffic coming, unless the width of the shoulder is at least doubled in size. A third alternative would be to stagger the parking so there are intermittent no parking zones which would be safty zones w' .:e residents can walk between the vehicles before crossing the roadway. If this was adopted, I would suggest that there be one safety zone of no less than a 15' width abutting each lot. As there are 22 lots between the North Arm channel and Tonkawa Road, this would result in the loss of only six parking spots assuming the recommended 50' lengths per spot.