stop signs

Signs of the Times

Unless you don’t get out much, by now you’ll have noticed that the stop signs you requested are now in place: One each at the eastbound and westbound approaches to the main entrance off North Golf Course Drive, and another at the intersection with Birch Bay Lynden Rd.

Several have written to express their appreciation for these additions, which were undertaken in large part based on your concerns and feedback to recent posts to this website. Please keep it up: If you can suggest changes that might make life better for us all, let us know. Even better, if you’re willing to volunteer to help Steve and his all-volunteer Maintenance cohort keep our streets and gates clean, tidy and safe then consider giving him a call at the number listed for him on the Board’s contact page.

Your Sea Links Board

Ray’s Hopes

Our friend and former neighbor Ray Huff is now out of the hospital following double bypass heart surgery, but he’s not yet out of the woods. Shirley Sell has been keeping many of us in touch with Ray’s kids in this difficult period, and I know she’d be happy to fill you in on the latest if you give her a call.

We continue to wish Ray our best.

March 3, 2020 in Community

Driving Safety: What You Told Us

I’m writing this to thank all those who took the time to share their thoughts on the role stop signs play in making driving (and walking) in our community safer; and also to summarize what you said.

Firstly, of six written and two verbal responses, no one thought we have too many stop signs. A few expressed skepticism that adding new signs would automatically result in safer driving behavior, but most agreed that enforcement is a separable concern; that without clear, visible markers at key intersections, monitoring and enforcement aren’t even feasible.

Some folks broadened the scope of the original post to include the stop sign at Birch bay Lynden Rd. (should be replaced) and the stop sign at the back gate (too often ignored). Others stressed the need to enforce the existing, well-posted 20 MPH speed limit – notably on the east side of North Golf Course Dr. One person suggested repainting the stop lines (and the “STOP” word) in lieu of new signs.

Based on this feedback a near-term plan has been developed to improve the stop sign situation, both at the front entrance and at BBL Rd. Stay tuned for more detailed information on this plan, expected next week.

Ray Huff Hospitalized

As final note, our dear friend and former neighbor Ray Huff has been admitted to Salem Deaconess Hospital for treatment following an apparent heart attack. For many years before moving to Oregon to live with his family, Ray was tireless and always cheerful in making contributions to our little community. Our thoughts are with Ray, as are our hopes for his rapid recovery following surgery.

February 22, 2020 in Community

Not stopping…who cares?

We regularly hear concern expressed by community members on the free-for-all that seems to have developed at our main entrance, off Sea Links Drive. Concerns vary, but most residents are concerned with motorists not stopping before entering the intersection; and with the very real risk such behavior presents to pedestrians, children and other motorists.

An unscientific survey suggests that the majority of Sea Links residents approach the intersection with caution and consideration. But multiple independent accounts confirm that a handful of regular commuters don’t care who their sloppy driving habits endanger: They’re determined to sail through the stop sign at Sea Links drive, cut the corner (esp. northbound) and then…’damn the torpedoes’. Pedestrians on North have had to scramble for their safety. This cannot continue.

Is this a significant concern for you? We want to hear from you. Feel free to share your thoughts, in confidence, on the Sea Links website Contact page. There are steps we can take to make things better. We’d like your support to do so.

February 14, 2020 in Community