Neighbors speak out at City Council meeting

            Multiple neighbors took the stand Monday, Feb. 28 at the City Council meeting to push for a crosswalk to be placed on Alabama Street. 

            Charles Shaw, who lives on Texas Street, has been fighting for this crosswalk for months now.

            When Shaw took the stand, he shared statistics that illustrated the dangers of not having proper crossing.

            “According to a national survey, one out of three people admit to jay walking,” Shaw said. “With eight bus stops, one child care center, and a community park a few miles away, there is absolutely no excuse to have no proper crossing on Alabama Street.”

            Shaw also spoke of “The Danger Zone,” which neighbors refer to as the streets between Pacific Street and Woburn Street. 

            Kurt Ingram and Trudy Shuravloff are other Roosevelt neighbors fighting for this cause.

            When Ingram took the stand, he spoke of more reasons for a crosswalk.

            “There is a need for the ability to cross safely across Alabama,” Ingram said. “With the projected growth of Barkley Village, there is going to be more traffic and therefore a greater need for some clear signage.”

            Shuravloff also spoke, but mentioned more than just the cross walk.

            “We live in a beautiful neighborhood and there is a beautiful park that hardly gets used,” said Shuravloff. “That is because there is a huge divide in our neighborhood due to no easily accessible crossing.”

            While nothing was decided at the meeting, the neighbors feel their presence was felt.

            “Sooner or later, they’re going to listen to us,” said Shaw. “Hopefully at the next meeting we will have a lot more members to show them how serious we are.”

            The next City Council meeting will be held on Monday, March 14 at 7 p.m. in Bellingham City Hall.

            “We are going to keep coming back, and in forces,” Shuravloff said. “We’re fighting for what’s right.”