City officials propose traffic-calming solutions for north Salinas

“In the eight years that I’ve lived there, there have been probably 10 to 12 vehicles totaled within 20 yards of each direction of my home. Constantly, cars are having their mirrors broken off or getting side swiped,” Bruce Bean said.

It’s been such an issue that north Salinas resident Bean began taking photos, even if some people choose not to report the accident. He said several factors are to blame.

“Too much traffic, going way too fast, and there are just way too many cars,” Bean said.

“We live near the sports complex so whenever they have an event, our whole neighborhood turns into a parking lot,” Wayne Shaddock added.

Similar crashes are happening just off Tyler Street on Iris Drive, and it’s not only cars getting hit.

“There’s been over 15 crashes in that area. Six people injured on that street,” said Gerry Ross with Salinas Police Department.

On Monday night, city officials presented the findings of a 90-day traffic study which confirmed what Bean and others are saying. And they offered some solutions such as parking enforcement, sidewalk improvement and installing speed bumps.

“It does solve the problem of speeding, but then the neighbors themselves will have to be traveling through the streets day in and day out all year,” said James Serrano with Salinas Public Works Department.

“They are doing something, so that’s good. Anybody in that room right now is affected by it. Everyone that’s in there has either seen it, heard it or had it happen,” Bean added.

Following the meeting, the public works department will put together its recommendations and come back to the community early next year for another discussion.