Response to WaterWater (Tim)

[alexarcmastema]

I don't use Google groups much so please excuse me if I am replying incorrectly.

Some responses to what seems to be a NIMBY position, Tim.

I won't address some points simply because I don't know enough to respond. I'll admit ignorance in those regards. 

To address points 3-5 and 9,  Franklin WILL be safer as bicycles will have an intersection and traffic will be able to properly flow as per road rules. Currently bikes are rapidly switching  lanes and hopping sidewalks to get to the bike path. Most drivers don't know about the path so the seemingly erratic riding throws off drivers and thus creates uncertain drivers, which are more dangerous than drivers coming to an intersection (where they look and expect traffic and bicycles).  I imagine you know that if kids are riding on that trail it connects to Ohio, an even busier street due to the lack of stop signs. There they can either ride the sidewalk, but they will still have to get into traffic to use the bicycle green box or they can continue south into the heavier industrial zone.

Additionally you must realize the potential dangers that path offers at night? It is one of the hot spots for re-building stolen bikes. It's a tagging alley. It's easy to leave trash, broken glass, possibly needles in the grass or on the path. On Franklin you can have a better view of your surroundings AND have multiple escape routes if danger is present. 

6. No, there are no high-speed trucks on Franklin. Know why? It isn't long enough for truck to get up to speed. It's barely a 3/4 length block with a stop sign (and kids) at one end and a sharp turn onto gravel at the other. No one is blasting through there. Oh and also, all of the business neighbors know each other. They pay attention to crime, traffic, hazards, and wave at pedestrian and bicyclist alike. 

Wanna know how I can say that so authoritatively?  ;)

I OWN a business on Franklin in the  'lovely industrial park" ( 5 years) and your descriptions of the traffic is completely off base. It is basically a dead end street with 2 business that operate less than 5 days a week. Neither of them have walk-in customers. The construction vehicles you mention are trucks, mostly pickup  trucks with an occasional trailer. The steel fabrication shop, on Grant, rarely uses Franklin because the gravel lot is hard on the trucks and trailers. The construction business on Franklin and Kentucky is primarily their business offices. Being at work I see the delivery trucks arrive and leave and EVERY ONE OF THEM drives well below the speed limit and are VERY AWARE they are near a school. When the school is larger they will be even more cautious. That's their livelihood and they have no desire to rush down a street where kids are near by. An accident means no more job and a titanic black mark on your record. Your every day driver will be more aware and careful too because Options will, once again, be more noticeable to those who aren't aware of it.

EVERY business in the 'lovely industrial park" are owned by parents AND are Sunnyland supporters. Shit, my business was the end point for the Sunnyland Stomp last year.  The man who owns the land is Bill T. He's in his mid seventies and every day tends to his tomatoes that grown along the fence. He even gives them away to anyone who asks. He is a well-moneyed ultra-liberal hippie. If anyone got dangerous on his street he'd lay the smack down, and they'd listen. 

8. The signs are like that because of weather. Are they worn, yep. But they are easily noticed. Even if the signs weren't there at all the lot is obviously something anyone riding or walking would notice as something to be aware of. 

Regarding your final two query's 

1. If you think it is based on lies, why haven't you approached a state agency instead of keeping it at the local level and mostly aiming your efforts at the Sunnyland community? I've already addressed the safety issue, but do you get angry about the truck route on Grant? Do you get upset at the waste disposal trucks that are at the park every day for lunch? Those are all large vehicles and they drive in areas with blind spots and sharp corners. Franklin and Kentucky is very open for sight lines and is as well removed from housing as can be done.

2. This isn't New York, that's simply a poor comparison. Central Park is a national historic landmark. The bike trail, however important to you and others, isn't.

And, yes. I live in Sunnyland too. I'm not anti-bike. Bikes make our community vibrant. I am pro-Options because those kids deserve an education. I am pro-soccer because even though soccer is mind-numbing to me, I also know sports teaches physical health and teamwork. I also run the Sunnyland Facebook group (big whoop, I know), but nonetheless there are MANY MANY active Sunnylanders on there and I've yet to hear one of them complain about this project. And they do complain, so don't think it's all flowers and kisses. 

I totally get you have some, obviously, strong opinions here, but try to not garner support by exaggerating the Franklin traffic. 

[Margaret Lyons]

Thank you for your perspective, Tim. 

Options is not a new school, so the amount of students, parents, and teachers will not change much. Although I live in another part of Sunnyland, I drive Kentucky regularly during the school year and it’s already nerve-wracking with no pull-out for Options, kids on bikes meandering, cars making u-turns, so I’m glad to see that parking and a straighter bike lane will be added. I think that after the construction is finished, the area will look a lot nicer and be just as safe for everyone, although it will look different. It sounds like the businesses on Franklin, including yours, Tim, are very responsible, and I hope this change is for the better for you all, too! 

There are always so many strong feelings whenever a big change is proposed, but that doesn’t mean all changes are awful and the status-quo is great; while the new Options may not be the bestest, mostest of all schools, I do think overall it will be a big improvement for the community and for traffic of all sorts.

Margaret

Ask yourself, "Who can I make smile this morning?"

This is the art of creating happiness.

Thich Nhat Hanh

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