[Vision2020] Restore pedestrian bridge to budget

[Tom Hansen]

Courtesy of today's (August 17, 2017) Moscow-Pullman Daily News with thanks to Joann Muneta.

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Letter: Restore pedestrian bridge to budget

At Moscow's recent fiscal year 2018 budget hearing, we learned the legacy goals of Moscow's strategic plan include "safety" and "making Moscow a great place to live and work."

Unfortunately, the council and mayor ignored those goals when they added over half a million dollars for a motor bridge over Paradise Creek at Third Street. The city's 2009 Multimodal Plan projected 2,000 cars and trucks would drive over that bridge when it is completed. That's 2,000 additional vehicles driving within 100 yards of Lena Whitmore Elementary School and on the street most children cross to access their school.

And that is just the start. More motor vehicles would soon be on this bridge and on Third Street, because it connects straight to the highway to Pullman, and everyone loves driving in a straight line.

A year ago, concerned citizens began attending City Council meetings and at five meetings, at least, respectfully asked the mayor to approve the construction of the pedestrian/bicycle/wheelchair accessible bridge approved by the council in 2007. We even offered to help fund the project. In January we were told that city staff was too busy to study the project, but would take it up in June.

But instead the city quietly altered the capital improvement line item for the pedestrian bridge to a multimodal vehicle bridge without informing the interested citizens.

At least 500 people from all parts of Moscow have signed petitions opposing this motor bridge that will threaten safety, neighborhood integrity and historic and iconic landmarks. Hopefully, concerned members of the public can convince the mayor and council to rethink their expensive and dangerous plan, and restore the line item to its original intent of a pedestrian bridge for the good of the whole community, not just commuters.

Joann Muneta, Moscow

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Seeya 'round town, Moscow, because . . .

"Moscow Cares" (the most fun you can have with your pants on)
http://www.MoscowCares.com
  
Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho

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