Have you ever thought to yourself: "I wish someone would do something about that?"

Many people have issues regarding their neighborhoods such as litter, crime, pedestrian and vehicle traffic, and safety problems near schools.

The Neighbors Without Borders Action Committee was created to address these issues in SeaTac and Tukwila. It came to be when neighbors-- who happened to live in two separate cites-- were discussing various things about their communities they wish would change, including the mess along Highway 99.

With the large amount of pedestrian traffic, especially near the Key Bank at 3434 S. 152nd St, which often blocks vehicle traffic trying to get through the area, a "danger zone" is created and everyone involved is at risk.

"Let's do something about our neighborhood," said Mary Koontz of Tukwila, co-chair of NWOBAC.

"There were the same concerns on this side of the road," said Pam Fernald of SeaTac, also co-chair of the committee.

Fernald also serves on the SeaTac City Council.

The group was co-founded in the spring of 2007 by Koontz and Fernald.

With home break-ins seemingly on the rise, the problems with Tukwila International Boulevard/ International Boulevard and the trash piling up in the streets, Koontz and Fernald decided it was time for citizens to get involved and not rely solely upon the government of the two cities to fix things.

Today, the committee works to clean up neighborhoods, make school zones safer and has even been recognized for helping the residents who resided at the Emerald Place by the Lake apartments when a fire occurred there.

"We spearheaded a drive for the families," noted Fernald.

According to Fernald and Koontz, they went to the apartments and wrote down who needed what and were able to raise enough money to give $500 gift cards to Fred Meyer to each family-- roughly 10 families in all.

In addition to this, the committee is also working on the issue of vehicles and semi-trucks being parked in pedestrian areas; a problem brought forth by a gentleman in SeaTac who uses a wheel chair for assistance when needed, such as when he goes to ride the light rail.

In the beginning there were about ten core people who wrote down their concerns and drafted letters to the Tukwila and SeaTac city councils.

One major concern was the safety of the school children at Cascade View Elementary in Tukwila.

"We took council members from Tukwila on a ride-along to show them the traffic conditions," said Koontz.

In 2009, flashing speed signs were put up near the school to remind drivers to slow down by showing them how fast they were going.

To accomplish this, Koontz and Fernald had to find a grant and show the city it could really be done after battling with city officials to do something about the problem, according to the two co-chairs.

NWOBAC does not do much advertising. They really just rely on word-of-mouth. While they are not looking for more people to join the group, they always want to see more people volunteering in their neighborhoods and sending the committee their own concerns.

Thus far the committee has not only contributed to helping the families of the apartment fire, but have also held crime prevention meetings, to discuss prevention techniques and talk about neighborhood block watch programs. They have also canvassed neighborhoods to talk about citizen concerns. Both Koontz and Fernald have also completed an emergency training program.

"We get things going and get people together," said Koontz.

"Our goal is to clean up the neighborhoods and keep them safe," Fernald added.