Safety Measures for Pierce & Starling Street

In recent years, the Town of Steilacoom has seen a significant growth in the number of young families moving in and it's residents are no longer just the "retirement community".

In particular, the 300th block of Pierce Street and the 1500th block of Starling Street has become largely populated with families and children. And along with this growth, the TRAFFIC has changed and increased. We are have great reason to be concerned for the safety of our children, animals, and other neighbors who enjoy walking outdoors. Our children are in danger while playing outside, walking home from school, crossing the street, or simply just being near the roadway. Elderly residents checking their mailboxes by the street have reason for concern. Pulling vehicles out of our driveways is a growing frustrating. Many recreational walkers and joggers testify also to these specific traffic problems/dangers mentioned.

Often, cars and truck are sighted speeding through these residential areas with speeds estimated to be well over 40 mph. In the past, attempts have been made to get speed bumps through this exact residential area. SAFTETY should be the Town's top priority. Additional reasoning to why appropriate actions are necessary now FOLLOW.

1). During the Rainer Street Renovations in 2007, both Pierce and Starling Street were used for detour routes to complete the Town's lengthy project. As a consequence, many drivers are now aware of these side roads ("shortcuts"), and are using PIERCE and STARLING STREET with more frequency and increasing speed.

2). It has also been noted that with the increasing popularity of the Town's restaurants (the Steilacoom Deli & PUB and Jake' BAR & Bistro), traffic on these roads has changed. Visitors and diners are parking on these back streets, using our roads with little caution and sometimes, driving under the influence. Our residential community sits between these two restaurants and is at risk.

3). It is important to note, there is not a single speed limit sign/posting on Starling Street, not even one. Drivers are unaware of any 25 mph speed limit. Police have been welcomed to patrol in our driveways, but no response has been seen. And with no police presence or any enforcement present, the careless driving behaviors of motorist continue to frustate this community.

Recently in July 2008, police have repremanded residents for putting out orange cones in and by the streets to slow drivers down, hearby, giving them little means to get the message to drivers to SLOW DOWN AND USE CAUTION.