Letter: Iowa City, invest in benches and shelters

The Iowa City Council has set aside funds for bus shelters in the Towncrest area. Proposals for locating new shelters and replacement of existing shelters have been made; I'm dissatisfied with both.

Council intends to replace existing shelters while areas in greatest need do without.

An important stop on the Lakeside and Broadway routes is at Kirkwood and Gilbert streets. Neither shelter nor bench is available for the able-bodied or physically disabled at this stop. At Sycamore Mall, there is no bench or shelter at the mall route bus stop.

A shelter at Second Avenue and Muscatine is sorely needed, as are two shelters at Muscatine and First Avenue: one on the outbound side, one on the inbound side. This is the center of the Towncrest community. The outbound shelter is necessary for the disabled residents living in Autumn Park.

Then there is the disappearance of the bus shelter formerly located on William Street.

Arthur and Wayne Avenue never had shelter nor bench, even though this is a major stop. It also is a dangerous location because of the oak tree located on private property adjacent to the bus stop that, like the Whomping Willow in the Harry Potter novels, drops 'killer” branches.

Where shelters aren't feasible, park benches should be installed.

Public transportation is necessary if Iowa City is to be the walkable, international city the Iowa City Chamber of Commerce advertises.

Mary Gravitt

Iowa City