The City of Seattle has taken action to address ongoing violence near Aurora Avenue by installing concrete barriers on nearby side streets. This initiative, described as a ‘traffic calming treatment’ by Mayor Katie Wilson’s office, aims to curb the alarming gun violence in the area.

Residents had previously resorted to creating makeshift barricades using dirt, gravel, logs, and concrete to block access to residential streets that were being used as getaway routes following several drive-by shootings. The city’s new barriers, placed at North 97th and North 102nd Streets, with additional installations planned for North 98th Street, are designed to slow down traffic by forcing drivers to navigate a zig-zag pattern.

Mayor Wilson emphasized the urgency of addressing safety concerns, stating, ‘Gun violence along the Aurora corridor is alarming and unacceptable, and we share neighbors’ desire for immediate action.’ The city acknowledges the community’s efforts but believes the new barriers provide better access for emergency responders and service providers.

Local resident Daniel Matedne expressed support for the new measures, saying, ‘I think it’s great. Having them is going to stop people from turning the corner and flying up the street. I think it’s going to help deter a lot of the people that use the street after gun violence.’

The mayor’s office is collaborating with the Seattle Police and Fire departments and the Seattle Department of Transportation to assess the need for more permanent solutions. Residents like Matedne are hopeful that these efforts will lead to a safer neighborhood.

Original reporting: KING5 Seattle — read the source article.