November 2023

Mayor's Corner - We Appreciate Our Volunteers

Do you ever find yourself wondering how Lake Forest Park remains such a desirable community? Have you wondered how we are graced with such an outstanding urban forest; enjoyable and accessible parks and open space; maintain unwavering focus on climate resiliency; and preserve our way of life in a fast-paced growing region? It’s thanks to our residents and their commitment to the various volunteer boards and commissions that make up our local government. Our Planning Commission is currently involved in the 10-year update to the state-required Comprehensive Plan, to set goals and policies for growth, infrastructure and services; our Parks and Recreation Advisory Board is leading the public planning process for the city’s new lake front park; the Tree Board is currently completing an update to our citywide Tree Code; and the Climate Action Committee is currently drafting a Climate Action Plan for the city.

If you are interested, we are always looking for new volunteers and would love to hear from you. If you currently don’t have the time to commit every month, I encourage you to attend meetings as time allows. We are doing great things in Lake Forest Park!

• Planning Commission -- 2nd Tuesday, 7:00 p.m.
• Tree Board -- 1st Wednesday, 7:00 p.m.
• Parks & Recreation Advisory Board -- 4th Tuesday, 7:00 p.m.
• Climate Action Committee -- 1st Tuesday, 7:00 p.m.

To apply for a position with our boards, commissions, and committees, please submit the online application.

--Mayor Johnson

Council Corner - Traffic Safety in LFP

As you may know, throughout the pandemic and now beyond, we have been seeing very dangerous and troubling behaviors on our roads. Traffic fatalities statewide are already outpacing any previous year with dramatic increases in pedestrian and cyclist deaths. 

I led the Council through more than a dozen meetings last year and this year specifically about the topic of improving safety on our roads. Traffic safety cameras are essential, if not regrettable, tools that are necessary to keep our children and everyone safer. 

I and my colleagues on the Council have stated publicly over and over that we would prefer it if the traffic camera revenues were zero, which means people are being safe and respectful on our roads. Sadly, this is not the case. 

While I completely understand that traffic cameras are unpopular, they are, as our Chief of Police has stated, "a force multiplier." We simply do not have the resources in our Police Department to handle the number of infractions occurring on our streets. 

I sincerely hope that we can change that in the near future as the new light rail stations come online with the inevitable increases in cut-through traffic. To help in this effort, the Council has authorized more than half a million dollars in additional resources for staffing for our police department this year alone.

SR 104/Ballinger Way is in desperate need of additional traffic safety measures. I wrote a resolution, which the Council unanimously supported, directing the Administration to make formal application with WSDOT to lower speed limits on both SR 522 and SR 104. This is still pending a final response from WSDOT. 

A final note on pedestrian safety: I believe very strongly that it is time to install a traffic light and crosswalk at 178th and Ballinger Way. The Council has discussed this several times in the past year as a consideration going forward. While it is very expensive to add this light and crosswalk, the need is definitively there—it is time for us as a community to find a solution to this very, very dangerous intersection.

There are many options to consider and no easy or quick answers, but I and my colleagues remain optimistic that we can find ways to slow down traffic and encourage drivers who are driving through our community to be respectful in order to keep our children and everyone safe. Be safe out there!

--Deputy Mayor Tom French

Seasonal Weather is Here

Leaves are changing and wetter weather is upon us! Read on to find out what you can do to help yourself, your neighbors, and the environment.

• Keep storm drains clear by removing leaves and debris and disposing of them in your yard waste tote or compost. This will help prevent flooding and pooling. DO NOT rake or blow leaves and debris into the street, ditch lines, or rights-of-way.
• Keep your home’s gutters and downspouts free of excess leaves. 
• Use sandbags or landscape barriers to help prevent washout into the road.

If flooding is severe, or you find evidence of dumping, please call 206-368-5440. Check our Flood Preparation webpage for more information.

If you need sandbags, our Public Works crew has some prepared and ready to grab and go. Click here for locations.

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