Summer Speeds and Safety Update: Your Voice Matters
Dear Save Not Pave Community,
As the summer months approach, we often see an increase in speeding through our canyons and into our neighborhoods. Save Not Pave recently had the opportunity to sit down with Chief Russo and Lieutenant McHugh to discuss these issues and get a better understanding of their daily operations.
Meeting Highlights:
New Traffic Officers: I’m pleased to report that, thanks to Councilwoman Birrell’s advocacy, three new traffic officers have been hired. These officers primarily focus on traffic, particularly on school zones during school hours and are then spread throughout the city at other times.
Community Support: As citizens, our role is crucial in supporting our officers. For example, during my morning walks on Wasatch Blvd, I’ve had several close calls with speeding and inattentive drivers. If you witness similar issues, you can report them on the Cottonwood Heights Police page. Lieutenant McHugh says this is the fastest way for them to respond. Just click the "Criminal Activity Tips" blue button in the top right corner and fill out the form. This report goes directly to on-duty officers, often Lieutenant McHugh, who will respond promptly.
Your Input Matters:
Pedestrian Safety: We need to keep reporting incidents to help the police respond quickly. Your reports can make a difference, just as my experiences on Wasatch Blvd have led to increased patrols and freshly painted road lines to improve safety.
Optimal Patrol Times: The time of day is crucial. For instance, I suggested that on Saturday ski mornings, we need officers on Danish, Bengal, and Top of the World at 7 AM, not 12PM. If you arrive at noon, you'll be too late to experience skiers speeding on the backroads. Similarly, during summer weekday nights and weekends, officers should be stationed just after the high-T to catch canyon Formula 1 speed racers before they slow down at the swamp lot on 3500 S. It's all in the timing!
Positive Changes:
Thanks to our collaborative efforts, we’ve seen improvements. There’s increased officer presence and new painted lines on Wasatch Blvd and Danish. I want to thank the Cottonwood Heights Police team for their responsiveness and action on these suggestions.
New HAWK Crossing:
I’m thrilled to announce the installation of a HAWK crossing at Bella Vista. While it’s unfortunate that it took tragic incidents and public outcry to get this safety feature, it’s now in place to help ensure pedestrian visibility.
A Call to Action:
I was disappointed to read Councilman Newell’s message in the CH Journal about being engaged in implementing the HAWK signal on Fort Union. Our officials should have acted sooner and in no way was it a collaborative effort. It was your vocal advocacy that made it happen, along with Councilwoman Birrell who consistently urged that it's not enough without reducing speeds. The majority of city officials wanted another "traffic study" opting instead for a study based on the 85th Percentile Rule. This resulted in no changes despite average speeds of 40mph. The council's insistence on a road study and redesign is now tied to a SS4A Safe Streets for All grant, delaying safety improvements for years. The 2017 Fort Union Blvd Master Plan aimed to transform the boulevard into CH's "Main Street" with a pedestrian focus, but this has yet to be realized.
Credit to You:
Your voice matters, and your persistence is what drives change. Let’s continue to work together for a safer Cottonwood Heights. Report issues in your area, suggest improvements, and stay engaged.
Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to our community’s safety.
Sincerely,
Micki Harris
Save Not Pave
