I have lived at the South end since 1993 and it has always been difficult to see the street sign for Merrimount. It’s challenging to see it in time to be in the correct turn lane when it’s dark, raining or even on a sunny day. Now, “Do Not Enter” signs further block the view of the street sign when driving north on ICW. Accidents and near misses could be reduced if there was early signage reading “Merrimount Right Turn Only” going south on Island Crest Way, and “Merrimount Left Turn Only” going north on ICW. The signage going north is especially important because cars tend to accelerate going down the hill and have to make a quick decision, especially if they are not familiar with the road. I think this would be a cost-efficient and effective measure to take immediately to increase safety on ICW.

As for the proposed diet plan, I would like to address another safety concern. I think with all the rain, we can forget about fire hazards on Mercer Island. Around 1991, Mercer Island was experiencing a drought and there was water rationing. In 1993, a roof caught fire from fireplace embers on a house on my street and about 11 fire trucks and police were rapidly on the scene. I lived in Malibu, Calif., for many years and five homes burned to the ground next to my home. I know the importance of emergency vehicles having rapid access to a fire to prevent it from spreading to adjacent structures. Large fire trucks — I believe they’re called pumper trucks — are absolutely essential, and I think we need to keep all four lanes of ICW available at all times. Otherwise, homes and lives could be needlessly lost!

Susan Price