From last night’s traffic/transportation forum organized by the Fauntleroy Community Association: Residents voiced frustration at what they saw as a history of all talk/no action, leaving them bringing up the same problems year in, year out. So here’s what was talked about, in that context:
The forum was moderated by FCA president Mike Dey and organized by FCA board member Marty Westerman, who is also a member of the West Seattle Transportation Coalition. The panel was a bit different from what had been announced in advance; SDOT director Scott Kubly wasn’t there, but Chief of Staff Bill LaBorde was; Mayor Murray’s transportation adviser Andrew Glass Hastings; Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Steve Wilske; and from City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen‘s staff, Evan Clifthorne.
The chronic problems discussed included the “triangle” crossroads in Endolyne (Brace Point/45th) and surrounding streets and how there have been studies over the years, but – according to several present – nothing had been done. Glass Hastings said some momentum exists for safety improvements in the “triangle” and up the hill along Marine View. He said that the Marine View improvements MIGHT include a guard rail near the curves that have seen several crashes in just the last year.
But among the three-dozen-plus attendees, frustration was an issue even bigger than the specifics; many who spoke talked about getting in touch with SDOT over many years and feeling nothing had been done to address their concerns. Or, if the city said what was requested couldn’t be done, as FCA’s Phil Sweetland noted, the explanation always seemed to be “by the book” – why couldn’t they “think outside the box”?
Beyond the triangle, a crosswalk to Lincoln Park was suggested, crossing Fauntleroy, toward the north-central part of the park for people trying to get to the wading pool and the playground. He said that the explanation that a crosswalk was too close to the light at Othello did not take into consideration that people want to cross Fauntleroy closer to the pool and playground. Shortly after he said that, several people spoke up to talk about the lack of a crosswalk also affecting the fact the C-Line stop at Rose is only on the east side of the street. They said that it’s OK to cross east when there’s no ferry traffic, but it’s a huge pain to wade between the cars when you get off the C and need to get to the east side of Fauntleroy.
Fauntleroy Way congestion in general was a key topic, with ferry traffic, buses, and Lincoln Park at the top of the contribution list.
Three items shifted the talk to suggesting locals go beyond city officials to the state and feds.
1. Fauntleroy dock traffic – Funding was taken away for traffic-directing help. Clifthorne said that the money went away and that the city and local legislators are trying to get the money back for traffic control.
2. Keeping the lower bridge open during the commute periods. Clifthorne and Glass Hastings said this is a larger issue for getting the state and feds involved. Timing does involve tides, though, it was noted.
3. Motorcycle noise from the ferries: Capt. Wilske said that he had talked to the precinct liaison from the City Attorney’s Office and looked at the bigger-picture statutes, but bottom line, the local Seattle noise ordinance is just plain hard to enforce. Despite that, he is directing his early morning officers to keep a close eye on speeding and traffic issues with the motorcyclists to see if that might deter the problem.
Not many answers or promises, but Clifthorne did say that he would work with Councilmember Rasmussen to set up a walking tour of Fauntleroy.
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