I wish to voice my disappointment with the city of Enumclaw’s lack of response to a legitimate driving hazard at McHugh Ave. and Porter St. At the northwest corner of this intersection, weeds and wildflowers have been left to grow uncontrolled, both on private property and on public right-of-way. The weeds and wildflowers are a definite visual obstruction when one is stopped at the stop sign on eastbound McHugh Ave. and trying to detect oncoming traffic from the Black Diamond direction.

To date, I’ve had no less than five contacts with various city departments over the past one-and-a-half weeks asking if someone from city shops could go to this location and spend the 15 minutes required with a weed whacker to chop down the offending weeds and wildflowers. I’ve contacted city shops, city administration, and the city police department regarding this situation, and so far, the best response I’ve received is “I’ll report this to code enforcement.” The weeds and wildflowers are still there, while the agonizingly slow wheels of bureaucracy continue to grind on.

Meanwhile, the safety hazard continues to exist. It’s very possible, if not likely, that this problem is going to cause an auto accident. Hopefully, injuries will be minor, and no one will be killed.

My wife was injured in a car accident several years ago at this very intersection, with injuries requiring spinal fusion, and ultimately placing her on disability. I’d hate to see the same fate befall another person due to lack of the city knocking down a few weeds while trying to decide who should tend to this laborious project. Perhaps, at least, maybe the city could take care of the weeds in public right-of-way, and notify the property owner to take care of the stuff on his property.

It’s a safety hazard folks. Please do something before someone gets seriously injured.

Dennis Dore

Enumclaw