HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-06-25 Public Comment - C. Kessenich - Urgent Request_ Safety Improvements Needed at Oak St & Hunters Way CrosswalkFrom:Cary Duggan To:Bozeman Public Comment Cc:Brown, Nellie; andy kessenich Subject:[EXTERNAL]Urgent Request: Safety Improvements Needed at Oak St & Hunters Way Crosswalk Date:Tuesday, May 6, 2025 8:09:56 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Bozeman City Commission, My name is Cary Kessenich, I live on North Hunters Way between Oak and Baxter where I've lived over the last almost 14 years. I’m writing today as a deeply concerned parent and neighbor regarding the safety of the crosswalk at Oak Street and Hunters Way. This intersection is used daily by students walkingor biking to Emily Dickinson, including my own child, and by families, neighbors, and pet owners throughout the area. As you know, this section of Oak Street is a busy four-lane road with a center median, and although the crosswalk at this location is marked and signed, it is simply not enough. Driversoften speed or fail to yield. Just recently, my son and I watched in alarm as someone nearly got hit while crossing — they had to yank their dog back and jump out of the way to avoid aspeeding vehicle. This isn’t an isolated incident. Many in our neighborhood have expressed concerns and sharedsimilar near-miss experiences. We’ve now told our son he’s not allowed to cross Oak Street unless one of us is there to ensure it’s safe — and that he must bike down to the traffic lightinstead. That’s how dangerous it feels. Drivers are simply not slowing down, even when people are clearly in the crosswalk. It’s frustrating and heartbreaking to restrict our child’sindependence this way, but the alternative feels too risky. Tragically, that risk already became reality for our next-door neighbors. Their family lost theirfather and husband in a fatal accident just down the road at 15th and Oak about 2 1/2 year ago. Their oldest child is now a first grader at Emily Dickinson and sometimes bikes to school withmy 11-year-old. For us, this isn’t just a story — it’s personal. It’s close. These are our children, our pets, our neighbors. I fear that it’s no longer a question of ifanother tragedy will occur — it’s when. Please help us do something to ensure the safety of our families before it’s too late. I’m requesting the city evaluate this intersection for immediate safety improvements — particularly flashing pedestrian lights or other high-visibility, traffic-calming measures. I’d begrateful for any next steps you can share or opportunities to be involved and would like to be contacted at your earliest convenience. I've included Emily Dickinson principal, Nellie Brown, in this email as I have discussed this safety concern with her and other staff at the school. I look forward to hearing your response. Thank you for your time and dedication to our community. Sincerely, Cary Kessenich 1680 Hunters Way Bozeman, MT 59718caryduggan@gmail.com 415-608-8296