Hello Kirkland, Norkirk and Peter Kirk supporters and advocates,

We have great news to share! During Friday’s final neighborhood panel meeting, the Norkirk Neighborhood Safety Project (NSP) was officially approved! It is one of 7 NSP projects that will go forward to Kirkland City Council on May 6th for approval of final funding. The Norkirk/Peter Kirk Project was approved for $164,320 (preliminary estimate) in city funding for the implementation of revised crosswalks and ADA curb ramps at the intersection of 6th St and 13th Ave at the main entrance to Peter Kirk Elementary School. The intersection improvements will increase vehicle sight distance of oncoming vehicles, view of pedestrians, and reduce blocking of the intersection and crosswalks. The project scope and budget will be further refined between now and May 6th. 

We are so pleased with the overwhelming support from the neighbors and allies that signed the change.org petition, wrote letters, and shared their concerns and ideas. The voice of the community helped overcome initial city Staff resistance to any acknowledgement of an issue at this intersection or the necessity of any changes. 

In December 2024, after the NSP project was first submitted, the city conducted a 138 page internal study to refute that a 4-Way Stop solution is not warranted. In January 2025, changes were made at a staff level to city sight-distance policies that granted the city the leniency to no longer necessitate any changes to cure previous policy sightings distance obstructions. More recently, staff had suggested implementing turn restrictions at the intersection that would significantly impact travel patterns and increase vehicle queuing. The City Staff Technical score for this NSP project was concerning 29 out of 100 possible points. The Community Neighborhood Panel score was the highest of all 12 projects reviewed, with 78 out of 100. These scores highlight the level of staff resistance to the NSP in spite of the overwhelming community support. 

The NSP project proposal is not likely the final or best solution at this intersection, but it is a big WIN for student and neighborhood safety. A plethora of valuable feedback and ideas have been gathered throughout this process regarding additional measures that can also be explored to further increase safety at this intersection. 

Next Steps in the timeline are:

• April 23rd - Transportation Commission NSP Presentation of Projects.
• May 6th - City Council Presentation and final approval of recommended projects.
• May 9th - Awarded Projects Announcement
• 1-2 years - Project refinement, funding contractor bidding and selection, Construction Implementation 

Thanks again to all those who supported this project along the way, especially the Peter Kirk PTSA, School Staff and the Norkirk Neighborhood Association. Feel free to continue to share support via the petition so the City Council hears our voice and prioritizes the quick implementation of safety solutions at this intersection.

Feel free to reach out to me, PTSA board members or Norkirk Neighborhood Association should you have any questions.

With Gratitude,

Carl Vander Hoek

Link to Norkirk/Peter Kirk NSP Project slides:

https://www.beautiful.ai/player/-OMcAEnSlfiAc-dySAyc 

Link to City of Kirkland Neighborhood Safety Program website:

https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/City-Managers-Office/NSP

Link to petition:

https://www.change.org/PeterKirkSafety