Saratoga Mayor Urges Safety Amid Traffic Surge from New Costco

UPDATE: Urgent safety measures are being urged in Saratoga, California, as a new Costco set to open in San José threatens to increase local traffic by nearly tenfold. Mayor Belal Aftab is calling for immediate action to ensure safer streets for pedestrians and residents.

As fall begins, concerns grow over pedestrian safety during early morning and evening hours. Aftab emphasizes that residents should carry flashlights and wear reflective clothing to improve visibility to drivers. The mayor’s proactive approach comes as Saratoga faces significant changes in traffic patterns due to the upcoming Costco location at Prospect and Lawrence streets.

Aftab notes that Saratoga’s wide residential roads, many lacking sidewalks, encourage speeding. “Drivers often exceed the posted limits, treating roads as raceways,” he stated, highlighting the need for visual cues such as crosswalks and lane markings to help slow traffic.

The impending Costco opening—expected to draw substantial traffic on weekends and evenings—could create chaos in surrounding neighborhoods. Aftab expressed disappointment over Costco’s lack of responsiveness to local concerns, despite attempts at partnership through communication with District 1 Councilmember Rosemary Kamei.

As traffic congestion worsens near schools and key intersections like Fruitvale Avenue and Highway 85, residents are urged to take action. Aftab has introduced measures this year including buffered bike lanes, refreshed crosswalks, and solar beacons at critical crossings.

“We can’t afford to wait until the situation escalates,” Aftab said. “Every minute spent idling impacts our time with family and community.” He advocates for a balanced approach, combining traffic design with community input to create safer streets.

Residents can play a crucial role in enhancing safety by adopting responsible driving habits, such as making full stops and maintaining eye contact at crossings. Aftab encourages community feedback on potential improvements, emphasizing that many successful initiatives originate from resident suggestions.

As Saratoga prepares for this significant traffic shift, the mayor calls for collective responsibility: “A calmer Saratoga is a safer one. We must prioritize safety year-round.”

With the season changing, now is the time for residents to advocate for their community’s safety and work together to ensure a secure environment for all.