Although originally planned in the 1950s for light residential use, both streets are now used as arteries to access growing adjacent neighborhoods. The construction of high-density, multi-family housing and new neighborhoods such as Rockridge, all with the approval of the city, is not compatible with antiquated street and traffic design never intended to serve so many residents.

Columbine Drive parallels Needham Elementary School, yet there are no speed bumps, islands or stop signs close to the school crossing and only a few partially obscured signs warning drivers to slow down. These warnings are rarely heeded. Cars speed at all hours of the day and night on this road.

As a parent and a member of this community, I believe this is a significant safety issue and requires immediate attention. During school hours, many children cross Columbine Drive to get to school on bike and on foot. After hours, this park is regularly used by many families. For those who walk along Columbine and Arroyo Drives to access the school and park, the sidewalks are narrow and often obstructed by parked cars, so children and parents with strollers are forced to walk in the streets.

Of particular concern is the fact that both during and after school hours, children frequently kick soccer balls over the fence and dash into the street to retrieve them. I have witnessed several near misses with cars when this occurs. Further, on at least three prior occasions accidents have occurred at the intersection of Columbine Drive and Arroyo Drive. All caused significant property damage. One accident severely damaged a residential home and the driver narrowly missed hitting two children.

The city must take immediate action to provide critical traffic calming on Columbine Drive by Needham Elementary School.

Maya Kane

Durango