*This is the first installment of a new series called "Letters from Residents," where we spotlight hyperlocal issues important to you. To have your letter considered for the series, email fourcreeksna@gmail.com or contact us at https://www.fourcreeksna.org/contact.
August 23, 2024 - 4000 block of NE 174th St. in Vancouver, Washington
Hey there, interested Four Creeks residents and neighbors of 174th Street!
If you've been keeping an eye on local developments, you might have heard about some concerning plans for our narrow but well-trodden road. Here's the scoop: a new subdivision is in the works that could significantly impact our daily lives and safety.
Picture this: our cozy street, just 20 feet wide, without sidewalks or shoulders, is set to handle an additional 840 vehicle trips each day. That's a lot of traffic for a road that's already bustling with activity from existing homes and ongoing construction.
With 72 new lots from the M&H subdivision and more developments on the horizon, we're looking at over 200 new homes and a whopping 2,000 extra vehicles zipping along 174th daily. It's not just cars—we're talking garbage trucks, construction vehicles, school buses, and more, all sharing the same narrow space with pedestrians who often find themselves walking in the travel lanes.
Now, we've raised our concerns with the county, pointing out that our road simply wasn't designed to handle this much traffic safely. There's been some back and forth: the hearing examiner initially had reservations, but ultimately gave the green light, banking on a vague promise of future road improvements.
We've even taken our case to court, spending $17,000 in legal fees to appeal the subdivision approval. Unfortunately, the judge sided with the county, reinforcing their decision despite the glaring safety issues we face.
But here's where you come in, dear neighbors. We can't sit idly by as our street becomes a hazardous bottleneck. It's time to make our voices heard where it counts: with our county councilors. They've shown some interest in getting an outside expert opinion on the matter, but we need to keep pushing for action.
What can you do? Reach out to your county councilors today. Let them know you're concerned about the safety of 174th Street and support efforts to reevaluate the impact of these developments. Together, we can urge them to prioritize our community's safety and demand solutions that make sense for everyone.
Share your stories, your photos, and your passion for keeping our neighborhood safe. Whether you've had close calls crossing the street or simply worry about the increased traffic, your voice matters.
Let's ensure that any future developments take into account the safety and well-being of all residents. Contact your councilors today and let's work together to make a difference!
Stay safe and neighborly,
Dean Hergesheimer
P.S. Have questions or want to get more involved? Reach out to Dean Hergesheimer at dljhg@msn.com. Together, we can make a difference!
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