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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJim Biteman public commentFrom: Ruth Perez Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2019 12:36 PM To: Jim Biteman Cc: Angelea Weihs; Chip Vincent; Julia Medzegian Subject: Re: D07-045 Wilson Park Final PUD / LUA19-000086 Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Flagged Dear Jim, Thank you for sharing your safety concerns with us. I strongly agree with you because I also live In the Springbrook Terrace neighborhood. I am forwarding your email to the Community and Economic Development Department, as well as the Transportation Department so they can assist you and provide us with more information. Again, I appreciate your taking the time to write to us. Ruth Pérez Councilmember, City of Renton Email: rperez@rentonwa.gov Phone: 425-430-6501 Renton City Hall – 7th Floor 1055 South Grady Way Renton, WA 98057-3232 On May 21, 2019, at 11:49 AM, Jim Biteman <jimbiteman@gmail.com> wrote: Good Morning Angelea, My name is Jim Biteman. My wife and I have lived on Snake Hill in the Springbrook Terrace neighborhood at 19203 98th Ave So Renton 98055 (prior to 1986 it was 9639 So 192nd) for over 30 years one of the oldest houses in the area, an neat little 1903 farm house. I am a lifelong resident of Renton graduating from Renton High in the early '80s. I am writing regarding LAU19-000086. I tried finding information on the City website but was unable to find it, user error I am sure. The comment period ended on May 17th according to the notice we received in the mail so I apologize for not getting this to you sooner. The concern I have is shared among just about every resident of our area and I am sure would also be expressed by many of the hundreds if not thousands of commuters who have turned So 55th/SE 192nd into a main arterial for people from as far away as Enumclaw who are looking for a route to Renton and beyond. In the morning hours, traffic coming west on So 55th/SE 192nd comes to the stop sign Talbot Road before they turn north. Every morning there are cars backed up So 55th/SE 192nd from Talbot Road, east over two blocks at a standstill up into Snake Hill. This in itself is a dangerous scenario given the volume of vehicles, steep grade of the hill and the slippery surface when cars come down Snake Hill at speed. And on a rainy day the danger is amplified significantly. In the time we have lived there we have heard or been witness to no less than 40 accidents on our hill, including one fatality. The concern I wish to express is the location of the proposed street entrance to the future development, Wilson Park II. When the initial project plan was proposed many years ago for a larger development project on this property the same concerns were raised. Fast forward to 2019 and we have even more vehicles using So 55th/SE 192nd as their main thoroughfare. The location of the entrance will place it at the apex of the last turn on Snake Hill. The Safety mitigation planning and review that must take place prior to approval of this project by the City cannot be understated. Cars turning into the proposed development from both directions will cause serious safety risks to themselves and their fellow commuters. Located just 50-60 feet to the west of the proposed entrance is the entrance to Springbrook Terrace. Cars are in and out of this neighborhood on a regular basis and in doing so oftentimes put themselves in harm's way to go both east or west due to the number of vehicles, speed of the vehicles in both directions and the limited visibility of those coming down Snake Hill's curves. Placing this entrance on So 55th/SE 192nd and in the proposed location is very dangerous plan. The only other option that could be available for an entrance would be on the southeast corner of the property. The same safety issues are present, though there would be far less "traffic interaction" (cross-traffic) due to the fact there is not another development entrance across the street. Additionally, cars are travelling at a lower rate of speed in that location. The Safety concerns with the proposed entrance location are very real. I am a Facilities manager with Boeing. Safety is my job every day. I evaluate Site Safety concerns and provide real solutions to Safety concerns. When needed, I also provide decisions that do not allow projects or jobs to proceed without extensive mitigation or sometimes at all. Angelea, I appreciate you taking the time to read through my concern. Safety is the most important thing any of us can focus on for ourselves and those around us. This proposal has me very concerned about the welfare of those who use So 55th/SE 192nd every day. I would be very happy to talk or meet with someone regarding these concerns should the opportunity arise. I have cc'd two City Council members on this correspondence, Armondo and Ruth, for some added visibility on this concern. Warm Regards, Jim Biteman 206-854-5175 -- Jim