Newsletter
Our little grassroots effort is picking up steam! We’ve welcomed over 150 new supporters to our list this week alone demonstrating the power of disseminating accurate information. See the entire list here and mouse over their names to see what they are saying. To add your name to the list or submit a quote for your name email us at: info@mercerislandabc.org.
At their December 7th meeting, the City Council is considering three options: The 3-Lane Reconfiguration that we support, the stop light at Merrimont, and a “clean up what’s there” idea. All three options address the City liability issues and increase traffic safety at the Merrimont intersection, and cause less than a 5-second delay for North/South traffic.
The biggest issue with the stoplight option is its cost. Estimated at $1.5-2.2M without property acquisition, this option is 3 to 4 times the cost of the other two options, would cause significant construction impact, and concentrates only on one intersection in this dangerous corridor.While instinctually, the Clean Up What’s There Option sounds good, the work that is required is not free and it addresses only the Merrimont intersection, not the entire corridor. For less than a 10% additional investment, the 3-Lane Reconfiguration addresses the city liability, traffic safety and pedestrian issues associated with the entire corridor.
|
OPTION |
3-Lane Reconfiguration |
Clean Up What’s There |
Stoplight at Merrimont |
| Addresses City Liability at Merrimont |
P |
P |
P |
| Increases Traffic Safety at Merrimont |
P |
P |
P |
| Less than 10-second North/South Delay |
P |
P |
P |
| Cost Effective Solution |
P |
P |
O |
| Low Construction Impact ( Re-striping Approach) |
P |
P |
O |
| Increases Traffic Safety at 86th, 47th and other Intersections |
P |
O |
O |
| Increases Pedestrian Safety on Entire Corridor |
P |
O |
O |
| Includes Bus Turn Outs Through-out Corridor |
P |
O |
O |
| Reduces Noise & Improves Access for Homeowners Along the Corridor |
P |
O |
O |
When you look at the data, this decision seems like a no brainer. It addresses the city liability, traffic safety and pedestrian issues of not only the Merrimont intersection but all of the dangerous intersections on this corridor. It costs less than 10% more than simply cleaning up what is there at Merrimont today, and it does not have a significant impact on traffic commute times.
The City Council will make this decision for us as our elected respresentatives. The topic is on the agenda for the December 7th City Council meeting. None have publicly supported any of the options. Candidate Ira Appleman has publicly stated that he supports the costly light option.
The City Council need to hear your opinions on this matter. Call or email them today:
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"The three-lane configuration is much safer for cars and pedestrians with little or no impact on travel times. What's not to like?"
Joe Iano
IN THIS ISSUE
Read a great letter in the online version of the MI Reporter from Marc Lacrampe, M.D.
See the 150+ Mercer Island Citizens have voiced their support for the 3-Lane configuration.
Follow us! We're now on Twitter.
Add Your Name to Our Supporters List. Our list is growing fast and you can now add a quote to your name. Send your name or quote to info@mercerislandabc.org.
Email friends. Get the word out and include a link to our web site www.mercerislandabc.org or pass along this newletter.
Write or call your city council reps. Contact information can be found here.
Arrange a group presentation. You arrange the meeting and we'll get someone there to present the facts. A good presentation about this option can be found here.
Write a letter to the MI Reporter. You can submit it online here.
Nov 2, 7pm | City Hall
City Council Meeting
Appearances
Nov 9, 10:30 am | TBD
PTA Advocacy Team Meeting
Citizens for ABC Presentation
Oct 19, 7pm | City Hall
City Council Meeting
Appearances
Oct 19, 7pm | City Hall
City Council Meeting
Public Forum--ICW Options