How should Meeker Street be redesigned to include more pedestrian-friendly opportunities to encourage walking, biking and disabled-accessible pathways?
That’s the question Kent city officials are putting before residents in an online survey for Kent’s first Complete Streets initiative dubbed “Meet Me on Meeker.”
Complete Streets accommodate all modes of transportation by using sidewalks, landscaping, parking, bike lanes and motor vehicle traffic. The concept emphasizes safe access for all users, not just automobiles.
Bill Ellis, city economic development analyst, says Meeker Street presents a perfect opportunity to apply the Complete Streets concept.
“Meeker Street passes through one of the most densely populated parts of Kent, with more than 6,400 residents living within a couple blocks,” Ellis said in a city media release. “It intersects with both the Green River and Interurban Trails, is home to dozens of small businesses; Kent Elementary School, senior housing complexes, as well as market-rate apartments.
“Earlier surveys and outreach to residents and employees who live or work along Meeker, many shared concerns about safety when walking, and instead choose to drive short distances for errands at local stores rather than walk or ride a bicycle.”
Ellis says the city is developing design and construction standards to guide future private investment along the corridor.
“Hearing from residents and employees on how they believe the street might be improved to better accommodate the community’s needs is an important part of this process,” Ellis said. “With the excess capacity built along a parallel route, SR-516/Willis Street, it only makes sense for us to apply complete street principles to Meeker Street.”
Residents, business owners and employees along Meeker Street are asked to complete the short survey at KentWA.gov/Meeker.
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