Metropolitan King County Councilmember Jane Hague today introduced two measures that would improve traffic safety and maintain the character of a Kirkland neighborhood threatened to be overwhelmed by the construction of a "mega-house." The legislation would restrict traffic access and parking in the area.

The first measure would set conditions that must be met before an existing road barrier could be removed along Northeast 120^th Street west of 80^th Avenue Northeast, where the "mega-house" is being built. The barrier, put in place by the county in 1976, restricts access between Northeast 120^th Street and Juanita Drive. "The current road is designed to handle small amounts of neighborhood-related traffic," said Hague, who represents the Kirkland area on the council. "Residents should have input in decisions that could turn their quiet residential street into a speedway or a parking lot."

Specifically, the measure calls on the county to meet the following conditions before the barrier could be removed:

• Improve Northeast 120^th Street to county road standards for structural integrity and width;
• Improve the Northeast 120^th Street and Juanita Drive Northeast intersection to meet county standards for sight distance and traffic control;
• Notify area property owners by mail of all public hearings regarding removal of the road barrier; and,
• Receive council approval.

A second measure would restrict parking at all times on certain streets in the neighborhood. Parking would be prohibited on the south side of Northeast 120^th Street, from 81^st Avenue Northeast to 84^th Avenue Northeast, and on both sides of 84^th Avenue Northeast, between Northeast 117^th Street and Northeast 120^th Place. "In many small neighborhoods, on-street parking is unnecessary and can create safety hazards and be an impediment to the smooth flow of traffic," added Hague.

Both measures will be sent to committee for review and approval.