Westgate Taku

The following was printed the the Fairbanks Daily News Miner as a Letter to the Editor

by Jim Matherly

Published Sunday, September 13, 2009

Sept. 8, 2009

To the editor:

I live in one of the many wonderful neighborhoods in Fairbanks, and I have just one point to make. The speed limit in residential areas is 20 miles per hour. That’s it.

I know it seems easy, but many drivers can’t seem to figure it out. Many people walk, ride bikes and pull their children in wagons. I have yelled at speeders (my dad coming out in me), followed people to their home to speak with them, and even had a police speeding light installed. I even spent money to purchase two plastic “slow men” stand ups which ended up being stolen.

My particular corner is bad, as some drivers come around like slingshots. Please show some common sense and slow down in residential areas; and while you’re at it, if you’re a smoker, don’t throw your cigarette butts out the window either. Thank you.

An un-named neighbor has in the past been seen throwing rocks at cars screeching past our homes.  I didn't understand this, until I was a parent.  Numerous neighbors have followed reckless vehicles to their homes.  The wide streets do make the speed disceptive.  Please watch the speedometers.  It's not worth the life of a child.

Maybe out neighborhood should think about putting in speed bumps like hamilton acres is trying to do. I know that people speed in our neighborhood and I just cant stand to think that something would happen to my son, or  any of the (TONS) of other kids in the neighborhood. Hopefully something can be done before that happens.