The relationship between the Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) and the city of Issaquah is unique because Issaquah Highlands feels like a city within a city. The hard work we accomplish for the Highlands could not happen without the support of the city of Issaquah. The IHCA and the city have partnered on many projects in the past 25 years. Here are some of the current projects we’re working on:
Adding Crosswalk Beacon Lights
Crosswalk beacon lights were proposed for highly trafficked areas of the community, such as the intersection of Park Drive and Fire House Park, and Park Drive and Trailhead Vista. Traffic studies are currently in progress, and the city is exploring a sustainable power source for the beacon pedestals.
Once the city and the IHCA approve these new features, the crosswalk beacon lights will be installed to further protect pedestrians. The city is responsible for all city streets, crosswalks, and public sidewalks.
Addressing Traffic and Speeding Concerns
Traffic and speeding in Issaquah Highlands have been the number one priority in addressing safety concerns around the neighborhood. There are ongoing discussions between the IHCA and the city to mitigate these issues.
Improving Sidewalks and Trip Hazards
The IHCA is engaged in a collaborative partnership with the city of Issaquah’s Public Works Department to identify rising sidewalks and trip hazards within the Highlands. This is a city-wide initiative to ensure all sidewalks are compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards and do not pose a hazard to any resident.
Tree roots adjacent to sidewalks are the most common culprit of lifting sidewalks. It may be necessary to remove trees and ground out the roots to ensure safe sidewalk passage in the future. Owners will always be notified if vegetation and/or trees need to be removed permanently or replaced with a non-invasive root systems plant. The IHCA’s goal is to only remove trees that pose the biggest threat to sidewalks, as luscious foliage is a key piece of the Highlands’ aesthetic.
Collaboration with IPD
The IHCA has ongoing meetings with the Issaquah Police Department (IPD) to address traffic, speeding, and crime concerns in the community. We want to extend our sincerest thanks to IPD Chief of Police Scott Behrbaum, who is committed not only to the Issaquah Highlands community but to all residents of Issaquah.
Sarah Hoey is the IHCA executive director.
As published in Summer 2021 Connections >>
