Today we had coffee hours with the seniors that live at I-Hotel. Before the actual coffee hour, we prepped pictures and maps for visuals so the seniors have a better understanding of what we were talking about. Some of the major problems the seniors addressed was that the lights change way too fast. A grandpa said that he is able to cross the street on time right now, but he doesn't know about later when he ages. The streets that most of them walk on is Jackson street and Kearny to buy groceries. They also feel that, that is the most dangerous intersection because cars would make a sharp right turn which makes them feel unsafe. Some Ways the senior thought about fixing the problem is to enforce the speed limit and to put a crossing guard for seniors. They said that they can also punish the people for rushing red light. Another suggestion a senior gave us was to have a bulb out because it decreases the length that they have to walk. Even though it is not much difference, a feet or two is a big difference for the seniors. The seniors were very enthusiastic about putting benches on the streets because when they get tired, they have somewhere to rest up. Not only is it good for resting, it will also be nice decoration in Chinatown. Coffee hour was very interesting because we were able to get the insight of the seniors. Their ideas and suggestions are very important because they are a big part of the group that uses Kearny street often.
~Kimberly Liang
~Kimberly Liang