My neighbors and I are wondering how it is that the speed limit has been increased to 30 miles per hour south and northbound along High Street and northbound in front of our homes on Lakeshore Blvd.? And, why this was done without any input from those impacted by this sudden change?
We have walked over to the corner of 20th and High Streets and counted 10 different directions of traffic flow within 50 feet of that intersection … not to mention the several private driveways also within 50 feet of that corner.
True, traffic is supposed to slow to 15 miles per hour, but most often doesn”t. My neighbor was killed in the pedestrian crosswalk there when a motorist far exceeding the posted speed limit failed to stop at the 20th Street Stop sign
In addition, it was already difficult for our neighbors on High Street to exit their driveways when the speed limit was set at 25. Increasing it to 30 makes it dangerous.
Add to that the extra traffic now that several new businesses at the High Street Square (where the old Nylander”s Market used to be) are up and running and you have an increased traffic hazard. Visibility is especially poor at 17th Street when entering High Street. I would like to see the cars already whizzing in and out of town at 40 and 50 miles per hour not be given this additional encouragement.
When I first moved here there was a pedestrian crosswalk at the corner of Jones and Lakeshore. This was the only crosswalk in a several block stretch and was intended to allow persons in our neighborhood to cross to the lake side.
Even though many cars did stop, we would often be caught in the middle of the crosswalk while cars whizzed by us on both sides. The crosswalk was eventually worn away by the traffic and not repainted.
Now, we see little kids dodging in and out amongst the cars trying to get to the lake and the pier with their fishing poles. It is further perplexing that children often walking to and from the schools, which are a block away, are placed at greater risk.
We are wondering for what reason was this increased speed limit determined, and who decided that the safety of those of us who live in the area was of no concern.
Helen Oliver
Lakeport
