CORPUS CHRISTI (Kiii News) -
There have been outcries from a community activist for sidewalks and street improvements for the stretch of Ayers Street where 17-year old Christian Carrillo was hit.
Unless you have walked on that particular area of Ayers Street, between SPID and Gollihar, you cannot fully understand that you walk at your own risk. Just ask Abel Alonzo.
Alonzo said that, four months ago, he was traveling down Ayers on his wheelchair near the same area where Carrillo was struck, and he too was nearly hit by a car.
He could have become another statistic.On average, 35 accidents happen on that stretch of Ayers every month.
Alonzo said he has appealed to the City Council for sidewalks on that stretch of Ayers many times in the past. Now, with this latest hit and run, he says the Council should take heed.
"If these people don't do something about this street, it might not be me, but surely it will be somebody," Alonzo said. "Let us pray to God that it's not a child or a mother with a baby."
"20,000 vehicles pass by here on a daily basis," Council Member Priscilla Leal said, adding that she has been trying to get support from her peers.
"I hope that my colleagues, I'm going to say, the other Council members, will take it into their heart and think about the people and their safety, and what it is that we have to provide to our citizens," Leal said.
As far as solutions to this dangerous problem go, do not look for anything permanent anytime soon. According to City Traffic Engineer Charlie Cardenas, before anything can be done, there has to be a traffic and pedestrian study. After the need is determined, sidewalks and widening of the street could be included the 2014 bond proposal.
For now, the City is looking at maybe adding more lighting and increasing pavement markings within the next few weeks.
