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HomeMy WebLinkAboutC_Public_Comment_MBettes_Maple Highlands_20230117Maple Highlands development comments by Marv Bettes BARRICADE What is “a e a barrier matching existing barrier”? We do not want to match the existing mess. Marv’s comment: There have been many types of barriers discussed. The last option should be to match the current barrier. It is invisible black chain link which is why it has been run into several times. I prefer a wooden 3-rail fence no more than 4 foot high. Or even large rocks. There should be separate barricades in front of the sidewalks that allow a gap large enough to ride bicycle through while at the same time forcing the bike to slow down and turn towards the center in order to prevent it from running into traffic or crashing into the 3’ ditch. I do like the idea of large rocks or other movable barricade to provide access when the road washes out south near 142nd. ROCKERY WALL Marv’s comment: It was inconceivable to me that they would propose putting a rock wall directly on the property line without any setback. It is also inconceivable that the wall would be over 8 foot high with potentially a 6 foot high fence on top of that. Even revised to be a maximum of 6 foot high wall with a potential 6 foot fence added to that does not seem standard. Who is going to maintain the wall? Who is supposed to keep down the blackberries etc? Would I be allowed to build against this wall without setback? Such as pouring concrete against it to support the back wall of a shop This is like forcing me to provide property to support their wall. STORMWATER Marv’s comment: With either option we would be able to move the road back to the center of the wright-of-way. TURN AROUND SPACE Marv’s Comment: I could not find anywhere that addresses the turn-around problem on the gravel driveways south of the project on 154th Ave SE. The distance between the barricade and the 3’ drop into the 18” outfall for drainage is way too small. There is a great danger to bicycles, skate boards, and motorcycles that can currently pass through at full speed along the sidewalk. And they do. It is also too short a distance between the barricade and the ditch to allow vehicles to turn around. Most vehicles currently drive up the driveway to the left of the barricade and back around towards the ditch. They do not always succeed. There have been many vehicles that have driven into the ditch. The current road to the left of the barricade will go away with the new development. Most concerning are the bicycles and motorcycles who can drive straight through to the gravel road while looking to traffic from the driveway on the left and then the 3’ ro ck lined ditch directly in front of them. This will cause injury soon or later. The existing driveway has to cut the corner around the 3’ ditch. The only solution is to extend the gravel area another 10 feet south to cover part of the open ditch or use the tight line drainage option. Above is the view of the driveway to the left which is going away. It also shows the driveway to the right which bicyclists have to watch for traffic before the plunge into the ditch. Above the picture shows the direct view looking north where the bicycles can pass along the sidewalk or the road. This also shows the turn-around driveway on the left. Vehicles move up into the driveway on the left then back around to the right trying not to plunge into the ditch. It doesn’t always work. This turn around option goes away with the new development. Above is a view looking South from the bicycle rider’s view of the 3 foot plunge into the hidden rocks. The outlet was supposed to use the existing ditch which was about 10 foot to the left in this picture and about 12”deep. As usual the developer just ignored the agreements. The depth of the ditch and the required slopes of the sides take up the entire half of the right of way. In this photo the white line shows the approximate property line between Renton and King county. The Renton road and the barricade are about 18” into the county right of way which reduces the ability to turn around on the county side. Above is a view of the gravel road looking South from the barricade. The white line is the centerline of the right-of-way. I live on the right in this picture. When I built the road in 1977 I could not go to the left of the centerline. Every new home developed since then was not required to finish their side of the road but instead was allowed to simply use the road as you see it now. Above is a proposed Barricade design. It’s open, it’s visible, and it slows and redirects bicycle traffic. It is Much safer than current design and much more neighborhood friendly. As well as cheaper.