Sharp Avenue resident voices concerns following fatal crash
Holly Tonini/Observer-Reporter
The intersection of Murtland Avenue and Sharp Avenue, looking north toward Leonard Avenue and the Washington Health System’s Neighbor Health Center
Holly Tonini/Observer-Reporter
Looking north on Sharp Avenue toward Leonard Avenue and the Washington Health System’s Neighbor Health Center
A Sharp Avenue resident asked Washington council members Monday about making her street one way, following a fatal crash into a medical facility last month.
Patricia Lewis told council she has lived on Sharp for 35 years, and traffic has increased over time. She said its proximity to commercial properties on Murtland Avenue and multiple health care facilities has turned it into “one of the busiest streets” in the city.
She said residents in the six houses on that street are worried about their own safety after the crash June 6 in which a driver sped down Sharp Avenue, across the intersection with Leonard Avenue and through a wall of Washington Health System’s Neighbor Health Center. A woman who worked as a receptionist inside the building was killed, while several others, including the driver, were injured.
Lewis said she attended the council meeting on behalf of the residents of Sharp Avenue to request the city lower the speed limit, put up speed signs, install speed bumps or make it a one-way street.
“There are a lot of accidents, especially when it’s icy out,” Lewis said.
Scott Putnam said that while the city would not be inclined to put in speed bumps, it might put up a 25-mph speed limit sign. He also said making Sharp Avenue one way is a possibility council will consider. He said further discussion is needed to determine the residents’ needs and which would be the safest way for traffic to travel.
“It is a concern,” Putnam said. “We need to have more discussion with the residents. We don’t want to make a decision shutting out residents.”