[Vision2020] alternative routes

[Craine Kit]

Tom,

Thanks for the map. It is a great idea.

My contribution:

1) Sixth is impassable from Adams to Hayes (no pavement, deep holes)
2) Intersections at Washington & Sixth, Washington & Third are closed  
to East/West bound traffic
3) Washington from 8th to 1st down to two lanes.
4) There is one scheduled at the East end of 3rd. I've forgotten the  
precise streets, but it is in the Lena Whitmore area. The City  
engineer and City Public Works Director should know.

There's also supposed to be a map at City hall.

As for your questions, I've answered with what I know, below.

Kit Craine

“1) Why wasn't the community given advance notice of such renovation?

Notice was given in the Daily News and through some of the City's  
stuff. The merchants who might be impacted by the Washington street  
work were also notified. Unfortunately, it is one of those situations  
where one has to pay attention to the right sources to find out what  
is going on.

Part of the problem (in my opinion) was that the Washington Street  
project was scheduled to begin in early June, but funding problems  
(i.e. the bids were more than the budget so more money had to be  
found) delayed it. So, the notices were early and inaccurate.

Perhaps we on V2020 can put our heads together to figure out a better  
PR technique.


2) When were the plans for such renovation/construction completed?


These projects have been in the works for years. As I said above,  
funding difficulties delayed the beginning of the Washington Street  
project. The 6th Street reconstruction appears to be on schedule. It  
takes a while to redo the water, sewer, and roadbed foundations.

This is point to discuss whether citizens are willing to pay more in  
taxes to ensure these types of projects are done as quickly as  
possible, thus reducing the disruption to the community. For  
instance, 6th might be moving more quickly if they had more workers  
and machines.



3) Who is/was responsible for informing the community?

  That's a good question for the Mayor.



4) Were other options considered (staggering the projects over a few  
years versus an all-at-once approach)?

I don't know the precise answer to this. It may be a collision of  
needs, money, and schedules. These types of projects are planned  
years ahead and are carried out when funding is available.



5) What are the time factors involved in each project?”

  I've forgotten the precise time lines, but both Washington and 6th  
would take a couple of months.