A grassroots effort to overhaul Jamestown’s traffic safety is gaining attention as city leaders begin to respond to a petition sparked by recent tragedies. The petition now has more than 1,000 signatures.
Councilman Brian Kamlitz, via City of Jamestown
The “Two Lives Lost Is Too Many” petition, launched by resident Aaron Brown following the deaths of his friend Daniel Pollard and 16-year-old Jamestown High School student Jake Stiles, has now drawn a formal response from Jamestown City Councilman Brian Kamlitz on Feb. 4th.
In an update to supporters, Kamlitz revealed a personal connection to the site of the most recent accident involving Stiles, noting he grew up in the “blue and white house” on that very corner from 1978 to 1987. Kamlitz confirmed that the intersection has seen numerous injuries and at least three deaths over the decades, identifying speed as a major factor in nearly every incident.
Google Street View of 5th Ave (Highway 20) and 4th St. NE corner from July, 2024. Blue and white house, likely what Kamlitz is referring to, is pictured center.
Though the scene of these accidents is among a residential area in Jamestown, 5th Avenue is technically a state highway. Kamlitz acknowledges in his response that flashing lights would make people more aware of their surroundings, alluding to a potential change in the works. He says officials have been notified, and that he is following the story.
Other decision makers linked in the petition, Mayor Dwayne Heinrich, Councilmembers David Schloegel, David Steele, and Pam Phillips, have not yet responded through Change.org.
Comments