Neighbors plead for Decoy Boulevard fix
Ask an adult where Decoy Boulevard is and you might draw a blank stare. But ask a teenager and you'll probably get directions and an account of the Mendenhall Valley street's bumps and turns, according to resident Ginger Blaisdell.
"You'd be very surprised how many teenage kids drive excessively fast down Decoy," she told the Juneau Assembly on Monday. "It's a joy ride and it's dangerous."
A handful of Decoy Boulevard residents made the case for street repairs to the Assembly on Monday, describing heaves in the pavement and a dangerous 90-degree turn. Steve Sikes said a teenager recently drove through his fence, into his yard and landed 5 feet from his living room.
Russ Carson, who has lived on the street for 11 years, said the bumps have been a fixture since he moved in. Residents have called the police numerous times about safety on the street, which is a few blocks from Melvin Park, he said.
"It's not getting worse, but it's incredibly bad and always has been," he said.
Interim City Manager John MacKinnon said he's not sure why Decoy Boulevard hasn't been a bigger priority for the city. He drove the street on Saturday.
"It didn't get air on the bumps, but I could have if I had a heavier foot on the gas," he said.
MacKinnon said he's exploring short-term and long-term solutions with residents. Approaching winter weather limits the city's ability to repave the street now, but workers could remove a section of asphalt and smooth the bumps as a temporary fix. The city also could install an arrow to alert people to the 90-degree turn or add a guardrail or cement barrier, he said.
The main goal is to limit the novelty of driving the street, he said.
"Before we tear out the asphalt, we need to look at the options," he said.
Assembly Public Works and Facilities Committee Chairwoman Jeannie Johnson said the issue will be discussed at a meeting at noon Wednesday in Assembly chambers.
Joanna Markell can be reached at joannam@juneauempire.com.