Addressed to:
City Traffic Engineering Department, City Manager, City Council, and School District Transportation Services

The Harriet & McCoy intersection presents ongoing safety concerns for drivers, pedestrians, and students, particularly during school commute hours for Forest Hill Elementary and Westmont High School.

Even when no pedestrians are crossing, the intersection is difficult to navigate safely. Drivers must manage multiple conflicting movements at the same time, including left and right turns from McCoy onto Harriet, through traffic on Harriet, and left and right turns from Harriet onto McCoy. During peak hours, rushed drivers frequently move into the intersection simultaneously, creating hesitation, near misses, and long waits.

The current HAWK beacon adds further complexity and potential for accidents. Its unconventional flashing sequence differs from standard traffic signals and is widely misunderstood. Drivers often stop at the flashing yellow, then proceed again when pedestrians are still waiting for the walk signal. This frequently results in vehicles entering the intersection just as the signal turns red and pedestrians begin to cross.

Traffic control near schools should be intuitive and require minimal interpretation. The combination of a complex intersection layout and nonstandard signaling places excessive cognitive burden on impatient drivers and creates unsafe conditions for pedestrians. With two schools nearby, daily student foot traffic is high, and the mix of cars, cyclists, and highschool kids on motor bikes increases risk in an already overloaded environment.

We respectfully request that the city conduct a comprehensive safety review of the Harriet & McCoy intersection and consider replacing the current traffic control with a clearer, more conventional solution such as a standard traffic light system, ideally with smart sensors.

Thank you for your time and consideration of this important community safety concern.