Candlelight Vigil Tomorrow
Saturday evening brought somber news to the neighborhood, as it was learned a pedestrian was killed by a hit-and-run driver while attempting to cross Foster Road near 71st Avenue. Monday morning made the tragedy all the more real, as the victim's identity was revealed, putting a face and name to the most recent traffic fatality on the busy thoroughfare. Jason Lee Grant is the latest victim of high speeds and lacking pedestrian safety on Foster Road. And sadly, there's no guarantee he'll be the last until the city implements real safety improvements, such as safer crosswalks, more visible signage, and better lighting. The city-identified, high crash corridor has long been known as the "Foster Freeway," and pedestrian safety has historically been overlooked in favor of keeping traffic moving quickly, and sometimes abundantly, through Lents, Foster-Powell, Mt. Scott-Arleta, and Creston-Kennilworth. With the most recent fatality, the affected neighborhoods are eager to prevent similar accidents from happening again. This Thursday evening, February 2nd, neighborhood residents will be holding a candlelight vigil to honor Grant, while also bringing attention to the safety concerns the area has long shared. Residents, activists, and concerned neighbors will be meeting at the site of the accident, near SE 71st and Foster, at 5:30 pm. Please let us know if you plan to attend, or if you'd like more information. 503.774.3639 |
Comments
Post a Comment