Once again bucking the trend of some news organizations that choose to ignore important social and livability issues, the Spokesman-Recorder has published an excellent letter on the business and social costs associated with the current plans for Lake Street. The author of the letter, Liz McLemore, does a great job of pinpointing some of the major problems with the current Lake Street 1950's style proposal for "revitalization" that only purports to move more cars faster.
The link to the article is: http://www.spokesman-recorder.com/news/Article/Article.asp?NewsID=35717&sID=13 Interesting excerpts include: the real issue is not how to “revitalize” Lake Street — Lake has already been given new life — but how to best protect and encourage the growth that is already there. In fact, a study conducted in Denver a few years ago showed that children living within 250 yards of roadways carrying 20,000 or more vehicles per day are six times more likely to develop cancer and eight times more likely to die of leukemia. Lake Street is already at those levels. But those people most affected by vehicle exhaust — residents and business owners of color — have few seats on the PAC where the decisions are made. In fact, the PAC membership roster reads like a “who’s who” of neighborhood activists and members of business associations. So why aren’t people of color represented? The design options chosen by the PAC will actually reduce the number of on-street parking spaces from 300 to as few as 80. As a result, businesses will be hit several times: first during construction, then by assessments for repaving and streetscaping, and finally by a potential reduction in business due to a lack of parking. Since few businesses on Lake have off-street parking, this situation may spell disaster for some. For many people on Lake, however, parking is a non-issue. They don’t own cars but ride the bus, walk, or bike to their destinations. Unfortunately, the options chosen by the PAC do little to support these (poorer) residents and business patrons. The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) that recommended these options admits they are inadequate for transit riders and bicyclists. Bicyclists are forced to share a lane with cars, with no room (or plan) for a dedicated bike lane. The length and width required for buses loading and unloading is also described as “inadequate.” **** David Piehl Central __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Free Pop-Up Blocker - Get it now http://companion.yahoo.com/ REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
