A Plea for Safety on SE 22nd Street

On a busy Monday afternoon, June 3, 2024, the Traffic Safety and Signage Committee of Bentonville gathered at City Hall to address pressing community concerns. Among the items on the agenda was a heartfelt plea from Brittany Marley, a resident of SE 22nd Street.

Marley, who resides at 1202 SE 22nd Street, passionately described the hazardous conditions on her street. She explained how drivers use SE 22nd and 21st Streets as shortcuts, especially during peak hours when high school students and parents are commuting to the nearby Wild About Learning Academy. The area, predominantly residential, is home to numerous young children, many of whom are under the age of ten.

"We need a speed bump or speed table to slow down traffic and make this a safe place for children," Marley implored the committee. She recounted incidents of drivers speeding through the neighborhood with little regard for the safety of its youngest residents. Her concern was palpable as she described the eight children living nearby, all under the age of eight.

The committee listened attentively to Marley's concerns, acknowledging the need for improved traffic calming measures. This agenda item highlighted the broader issue of traffic safety in residential areas, prompting discussions on potential solutions and the urgency of addressing such problems to protect community members, especially children.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to explore viable options for traffic calming on SE 22nd Street, reflecting the city's dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents.