Story & Photos – Joseph Boyle
On May 23, 2011, I shared a story and photos with you that I call Dukes of Hazard I. The story describes yet another rascal who hurdles her car down Gravelly Lake Drive SW at a high rate of speed. She does not stop her car until she crosses the welcome mat in front of the lovely creek side condominium. She managed to convert the residential condominium into a one-car garage. Her entire car crashed inside the front entry.
The victims, who normally reside inside the condominium home, could not live at home for about a year, which we might think of as a form of homelessness. Of course most drivers, who drive between 70 mph and 100 mph in a 30 mph zone, do not have auto insurance. Sure enough, she had no insurance.
On February 7, 2012 I shared a story and a photo we might call Dukes of Hazard II. The City of Lakewood started a construction project to implement a solution to the long-standing problem of negligent drivers crashing through the brick will. I applaud the city for their effort. The City of Lakewood has served our community well with their effort to put a solution in place before some innocent resident becomes a hood ornament on a speeding vehicle.
Today I wanted to show you a couple of photos, which depict the completed solution. If the traffic engineers have it calculated correctly, they have created a safety zone for the condo residents, which hopefully is impenetrable to negligent drivers. The wall is a tad over 3’ in some places.
Now we can sit back and see if the city solution will work. We hope that when the next evil driver hits the rock wall, the wall will stop them dead, before they kill an innocent victim.
Carl T. Fynboe says
Joe: You write and pictcure some of the most interesting and creative articles that I read in the news. Keep it up! Carl
Midlander says
This wall looks great! It really fits in the style of the community – much better than a guard-rail or concrete barrier wall. Well done, City of Lakewood!
Steve says
Love the solution! Makes that curve look better as well as providing a “solution” (nothing will prevent the occasional inept driver!).
So who winds up paying for this nice piece of landscape architecture…not to mention the damage to the home??
Joseph Boyle says
Carl, Midlander and Steve,
Not only is it a ton of fun for me to write articles and submit photos to the Suburban Times, it is also rewarding and interesting to read your comments. Thanks for your efforts.
Carl, you provide me with great enthusiasm to continue my efforts.
Midlander, you make a couple of excellent observations. Some jurisdictions would have ignored the problem until enough people are injured or killed. Some jurisdictions would have installed an unsightly concrete jersey barrier or metal guardrail system. You are absolutely right. The City of Lakewood makes an effort to accomplish projects in a classy manner.
Steve, it appears to me the total roadside improvement is a combination effort and money contribution by the City of Lakewood and Keep Lakewood Beautiful.
As far as the condo is concerned, the owner, more likely than not, had to look to their own condo homeowner’s insurance for the repairs.
Thanks you guys for your comments.
Joe Boyle