A family from Denver is considering putting their 27-year-old home up for sale following five vehicle collisions within a span of 16 months near the intersection of Monaco Street Parkway and 17th Avenue, where three of these incidents resulted in direct hits on their residence.
Dave Stoll mentioned that the latest incident took place on Saturday evening around 10 o’clock at night.
“A vehicle, carrying three teenagers speeding at more than 70 miles per hour, barreled down 17th Street, went through the median and intersection, smashed past the protective rocks, and then soared onto the house and lawn here,” stated Stoll.
The hazardous junction has been a persistent issue for the community for many years, with Stoll noting that accidents have occurred “multiple dozens of times” throughout the last 20 years in this region.
Stoll mentioned that drivers traveling eastbound on 17th aren’t aware that the roadway takes a sharp turn to the left, particularly during nighttime. Consequently, when the signal turns green, these motorists simply proceed through the crossing, cross the divider, navigate past four lanes of traffic, and end up at Stoll’s house.
“Definitely, they can observe and execute the move during daylight hours. However, at nighttime, this isn’t possible,” Stoll stated.
In December 2023, an accident pushed them out of their house for several months as reconstruction was necessary following a vehicle crashing into and demolishing the wall alongside three levels of the residence. The damage amounted to over $440,000. When another mishap happened on Saturday evening, contractors had still not finalized all repair tasks.
“It’s incredibly frustrating and heart-wrenching, and the level of anxiety and stress we experience personally due to this recurring situation time after time,” Stoll stated. “Furthermore, concerns about our own safety and well-being, as well as those of the broader community, become paramount.”
Stoll and their neighbors have consistently reached out to city officials asking for enhanced safety measures, proposing basic changes such as adding reflective lighting and improving signs. The emotional strain has grown too heavy for the family to bear.
Stoll stated, “We have reached the stage where we are putting the house up for sale. We are relocating after being here for 27 years, but we just can’t manage anymore; it has become impossible to get proper rest.”
The family and neighbors contend that the intersection presents a larger public safety risk extending beyond just their properties.
As Stoll pointed out, when we look at this situation, there are actually four lanes filled with vehicles along with pedestrians moving around. It’s just a question of when rather than if an accident will happen resulting in severe injury or even death.
A representative from the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure stated that no maintenance work is presently planned for the intersection. However, a member of their team might be capable of evaluating whether the intersection requires extra signage.
