Hazardous Driving Public Comment from Kim Schexnider2-q
Good Evening Council members,
My name is Kim Schexnider and I reside at 3 5th Avenue West.
I would like to discuss the on going safety hazard and the potential for a fatal accident from the
vehicles speeding out of Kalispell Center Mall onto 5th and Center St.l have resided at my
residence for 8 years, and I've noticed the increase reckless driving by a specific group of
vehicles. I am worried that a child will get hit and severely injured, if not killed. I personally
witnessed two adolescents nearly hit while they were using the east crosswalk at the light on 5th
and Center. I have had vehicles hit my front fence that is close to the stop light, and the light
post next to my driveway. I am terrified to allow my child to play in our front yard. My child has a
bedroom wall that is next to Center St., and I have his bed as far from that wall as possible. I've
done everything I can to keep my child safe at his home.
I have only called dispatch to request extra patrols along 5th and Center St. I've never called
the police on the people hanging out at the mal; however, since I've spoken to an officer on May
10th, begging him to see if any other officers could work overtime, I am being harassed by a
group of large trucks. I want to thank that officer for hearing my pleas! On May 14, 1 spoke with
Chief Venezio, and I was informed that the police department is aware of how crazy my streets
can get after an official Kruise Kalispell, but if they have extra patrol units on the street for the
next two Fridays it quiets down; It was also brought to my attention that the Police Department
does not know when an official Kruise Kalispell will happen.
My question to you is why were there only a couple of patrol units out on Friday, May 1 Oth? On
May 3rd I saw many units from our Police, Sheriff, and even the HWY Patrol. That date was an
Offical Kruise Kalispell. I have no idea how this past Friday was since I left town to get away
from everything. May I suggest that someone from your office reach out to Kruise Kalispell at
kruisekalispell.com? In no way am I blaming our wonderful nonprofit Kruise Kalispell, nor our
brave officers, this is a weekly occurrence by a specific group of vehicles. I understand the mall
is private property, but how they drive onto 5th and Center St makes it a city problem. With
summer approaching there will be many children walking along the streets in my neighborhood.
Does one of them have to be hit before something is done? Will you be putting speed bumps
along the intersection?
I am beseeching you to take the initiative to keeping our streets safip from this reckless driving.
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Thank you for listening,
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Kim 4,111IMSchexnider
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