Streetscape should create a pedestrian- and bike-friendly atmosphere

Marion had an important public hearing Sept. 15 regarding the uptown streetscape. The Gazette failed to print the news release and it also didn't get on any television coverage. I asked for coverage. They graciously sent a reporter and KCRG-TV9 crew. Even though 900 postcards were sent, only a scant few businesses owners showed up and just three non-business people spoke.

The reporter's story made it sound like I voted no because two city council members were absent Wrong. I voted no because the plan is for 12 blocks of brick or simulated-brick streets at a cost of $400,000 per block. I voted no because they are doing away with designated left turns on Seventh Avenue. It was explained that there will be a four-way stop at 11th Street and Seventh Avenue when they remove the barriers and they are expecting drivers to use Sixth or Eighth Avenues as their thoroughfare.

That sounds good, but our new expensive fancy traffic signals at 10th and 12th Streets will be there.

Should you want to turn left at either intersection, you will have to wait for oncoming traffic to pass, blocking any cars behind you. The city planner admitted that the traffic will not improve uptown during peak traffic hours. The goal is to create a pedestrian- and bike-friendly atmosphere.

Kay Lammers

Marion