Margaret Carnegie, Chair

North Rose Hill Neighborhood Association

11259 126th Ave. N.E.

Kirkland, WA 98033

March 8, 2009

Ray Steiger, Kirkland Public Works

City Council Members

Mr. Steiger and Council Members, I’m writing this letter on behalf of North Rose Hill citizens.

In the spring of 2008, the North Rose Hill Neighborhood Association Conducted on online survey. In the section on Safety, sidewalks (or lack of) were considered a serious problem by 30% and a minor problem by 34%. In a related category, 47% of respondents considered speeding/traffic a minor problem and 19% considered it a serious problem. To summarize in another way, 2/3 of respondents consider sidewalks and traffic issues a problem. As a result of this survey and other more informal discussions at neighborhood meetings, completed sidewalks along 124th Ave. N.E., within walking distance of Mark Twain School, and near Costco are considered important for safety and general pedestrian usability in North Rose Hill. As a result, we want to make sure sidewalks on 124th Ave. N.E., which is a principal arterial, is a top priority for the Capital Improvement Program.

The neighbors could become more active participants in non-motorized/active transportation if they felt safe walking on 124th Ave. N.E. to get to destinations both in and out of the neighborhood with safe sidewalks. There are those who feel the North Rose Hill Neighborhood doesn¹t get the deserved support it needs to catch up with the quality of other neighborhoods. There are those who believe the neighborhood was better supported before annexation.

Again, acknowledging the current financial situation of the City of Kirkland, we do look forward to having safe walking conditions on 124th Ave. N.E. by having a complete sidewalk system on this principal arterial in the very near future and encourage you to make this happen.

Sincerely,

Margaret Carnegie