With more development and traffic, the time has come to install sidewalks for residents near S.E. 4th, 8th and 218th. Each time we walk to the library, Farmer’s Market or other amenities along 228th, we have to walk along heavily-traveled roads with no sidewalks — and along many stretches—virtually no shoulder. When I moved here in 2007 and inquired why there were only sporadic sidewalks around my neighborhood, I was told that sidewalks were “a developer’s responsibility as new neighborhoods were built.” This hodge podge approach to (what should be) an essential piece of infrastructure is not acceptable. Now that Klahanie will be annexed and new neighborhoods are being built, I’d like to see a portion of this new tax base be used to making it possible for me to feel safe walking in my own City … and allowing my now tween/teenage children to do the same. Until sidewalks are built (and I use “until” deliberately instead of “if” because I need to believe that the City cares about my family’s safety), I encourage drivers to yield to pedestrians along these streets, any streets without sidewalks. It’s very disconcerting to see vehicles approach you with only a few feet clearance.

 

Shay Studley Toland,Sammamish