The assertions regarding Rachel Carson Elementary’s traffic suggest that the Lake Washington School District and the city of Sammamish have been neglectful. But based on the city’s good working relationship with the district, the responsiveness of their designers and the visible results at the school, this suggestion seems unfair.

The traffic management plan submitted to the city, the bigger-than-average drop off zones, and the soon-to-be-installed crosswalk lighting system, among many other things, show that the district is working hard to maximize safety and minimize congestion. During these first few days, as the school and the city assess the performance of the traffic and parking plan, additional improvements and adjustments will no doubt be forthcoming.

We invite individual residents with concerns to pass on their own assessments to both the district and the city. In short order, I’m confident the challenges associated with a brand-new school will be dealt with in a reasonable and cooperative manner.

John Cunningham

Public Works Director

City of Sammamish