From: Brendan Reid-Naughton
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Bennet Valley Speed Limit Reductions Date: Monday, August 19, 2024 9:54:17 PM
Hello Council of Santa Rosa
I am reaching out regarding the potential reductions to the speed limits of streets in my neighborhood, particularly Sonoma avenue near the Montgomery village. I implore you to absolutely vote a strong Yes on these changes.
Sonoma Avenue is a neighborhood, not a highway. The 35 mph limit seems to mean 45-50 to most drivers, seeing as there is little to no enforcement of even the current regulations. We as people who call this road home are constantly threatened by the risk of reckless drivers as we leave our driveways every day. Our street is home to countless families with children, pets, and wildlife. The current state of the flow of traffic is unnecessarily dangerous and problematic for everyone who lives here.
On behalf of my whole neighborhood community, please regard the lowering of our street’s speed limit as not just a precaution, but a necessary effort to keep us safe.
-Brendan Reid-Naughton
Sonoma avenue resident
From: Brooke Slack
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Reduce the speed limit on Sonoma Ave! It is your responsibility to keep the streets safe.
Date: Monday, August 19, 2024 10:18:41 PM
Hello Council of Santa Rosa
I’m contacting the city council regarding the possible speed limit reduction to the streets in my neighborhood. I live on Sonoma Ave near Montgomery Village and I hope, on behalf of my myself, my neighbors, their children, and our pets, that you will vote Yes in favor of these changes.
Every day and night our neighborhood is treated like a thoroughfare, with cars going well over the speed limit with almost zero police intervention to enforce the already high speed limit of 35 mph. Other neighborhoods throughout Santa Rosa and Sonoma county do not have neighborhood speed limits this high and for good reason. As part of the city council, your constituents rely on you to make responsible decisions regarding the safety of this city and the people and animals who live here. Please do not ignore the many voices who are asking you to act with the respect and compassion we expect from those who represent us. You have an opportunity to prioritize safety in our neighborhoods and I am personally asking for every member of the city council to step up and vote Yes.
Fear of being hit backing out of my driveway or crossing the street is a daily occurrence. Our street is home to countless families with children, pets, and wildlife. The current state of the flow of traffic is unnecessarily dangerous and problematic for everyone who lives here. Just last summer, we lost a cat who was hit on Sonoma Ave and the neighbor across the street moved away because their car had been side-swiped twice and they didn’t want their family to live on a dangerous street in an otherwise quiet and safe neighborhood.
On behalf of my whole neighborhood community, please regard the lowering of our street’s speed limit as not just a precaution, but a necessary effort to keep us safe.
Thank you.
Brooke Slack