New Traffic Island in the Allendale Neighborhood

by Yvonne Long and Gaylen Malich

The Allendale district is sporting a new traffic island at the busy intersection of 38th Avenue and Suter Street. The island, critical for safety reasons, will double as a community garden, creating a focal point of beauty and pride for the neighborhood. There used to be a stop sign at the intersection, but because the sign was in the street and not protected by barriers, it was repeatedly knocked down by motorists. Each time the pole was hit and replaced, the pole became shorter and shorter and became a running comedy for area residents, who speculated on how low the sign could go before disappearing altogether. Further illustrating the need for the island, a speeding truck had failed to make the curve at the intersection and ended up in the yard of the house on the corner, tearing out the fence and plants and leaving a swath of tire marks on the lawn. After a year of cooperative work with City officials, the Suter Street Association was able to celebrate the completion of the island with a champagne toast. Association member Cheryl Miller, landscape architect, is working with Joe Newman of Parks and Rec to design drought-resistant, low maintenance planting. The committee can use as much help as possible with planting, maintenance, and upkeep. Please call Gaylen Malich at 536-9108 if you would like to help.