Humboldt Park neighbors rally for change after reckless driving incidents

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A call for help tonight, days after two separate reckless driving incidents injured pedestrians at Humboldt Park in Bay View. Now, neighbors are demanding change. Many attended a Humboldt Park Friends community meeting.

One neighbor, who says he has a front-row view of the park, told the group that all day long, he sees drivers speeding by and there's no enforcement.

Tuesday, Milwaukee police arrested a woman driving a gray sedan, after she drove onto the grassy areas of Humboldt Park, doing donuts, and endangering lives, ultimately hitting a pedestrian and two vehicles, including a squad car.

"And to hear that she was up on the grass over the curb and intentionally seeking to harm people was some of the most terrible news I've received," said Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic of District 14 in Milwaukee.

The Tuesday incident happened just days after a hit-and-run driver injured multiple trick-or-treaters in Humboldt Park, including a mother and one-year-old in a stroller.

The push is on to get drivers to behave. Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic says funds have just been secured for a new, raised crosswalk on Howell near Parkside School. This follows new measures for Oklahoma Avenue.

"So it will make it even harder all around the park to have high speeds and reckless driving," said Dimitrijevic.

At this traffic and reckless driving community meeting held at the Humboldt Park pavilion, neighbors expressed desires for even more traffic calming measures. But they differ on what those measures may be. Ideas include speed bumps, more lights, one-way streets, yield signs, stop signs and closing down the streets around the park.

They care about the park, they care about the city. They care about Bay View and we want to find solutions that are gonna keep everyone safe but still provide access to our park," said Patrick McSweeney, Humboldt Park Friends board member.

Anyone wanting to weigh in on the matter can do so on the Humboldt Park Friends Facebook page, where they've posted a survey.

Milwaukee police say they're still looking for the hit-and-run driver in Saturday's incident. It's a black SUV, with front end damage to the driver's side.