MyWHaT

Graphic Friday

Well, here we have it–another poll that won’t do much to move the discussion forward. Seriously, the City Commissioners should already know that there is a vocal minority pushing for the West Boardman Lake Ave. while many more have serious concerns about its construction, design, effectiveness, process and lasting impact.

Placing too much value in the neighborhood petition/poll being conducted by passionate proponents for the bypass is a political statement, just like the poll above. We all have a right to participate in such an action. It’s fundamental to democracy. But at the end of the day, it has little bearing on the merits and demerits of the W. Boardman Lake Ave. If we wanted to design the city by popular pulse of the City, than we’d hold a referendum; I trust that our elected representatives understand this.

Andrew's University BLA Concept

The City Commission has voted to not purchase the Copy Central property. This doesn’t drop the BLA, but it eliminates intersection options on 8th St. It’s worth noting that the since its inception, the West Boardman Lake Avenue has continually had limitations get in the way of what was once conceivably a good idea.

At one point, it was conceived as a mixed-use boulevard that connected to 8th St. via a bridge at the current Boardman Ave. as well as to multiple points along the grid. It now has become a half mile bypass disconnected from the grid, with little adjacent infill and with disastrous design limitations to control speeds and to intersect at 8th St. Arguably, at one time it added value to the entire city. The current concept promises the same, but delivers nothing more than lowering the cost of driving through the City while providing a beautiful view over Boardman Lake for morning motorists.

All of  us care deeply about the direction of the City and maintaining, and improving, the quality of life of its citizens. As we move forward, I trust that this debate can be based on informed consent that is gained through a transparent process and a solid understanding of what it is we are trying to serve and what we are creating for the future.

I’m opposed to W. Boardman Lake Ave. as it is designed today and because the assumptions for how it will improve the City have not been remotely proven, nor have the negative consequences been adequately addressed.

I agree with the comment made on the above poll by Katie: ”I voted ‘no’ on the proposed road, and will continue to do so until such a time that there is a clear demonstration that it is in the best interest of THE WHOLE CITY–all residents, all traffic (both car, bike, and foot), that are here today and yet to come.“

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Really, if we are to be asking questions, let’s ask something like:

Would you rather spend $2 million dollars building another road, that may or may not address some resident concerns, or do we want to spend $2 million dollars creating a place where motor traffic is welcome, provided for, but that doesn’t dictate the character of our city?

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POLL RESULTS: The Poll was live for 3 days with 51 total respondents. 48 responded “No”, 6 responded “Yes” and 2 took the time to respond “What’s the BLA?” 5 people left comments that will remain online.