[Vision2020] A bridge alternative

[Moscow Cares]

Courtesy of today’s (February 2, 2018) Moscow-Pullman Daily News with thanks to Linda Pall.

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Letter: A bridge alternative

The Third Street Bridge continues its questionable life, despite its lack of demonstrated need or benefit. Overwhelming failure of the city to involve important stakeholders in planning the need, funding and purpose of this doubtful, costly project contribute to the negative influence on any city-sponsored bond issue to come before the public.

Consider this:

-	The bridge, plus the essential traffic calming if the bridge is built, bears a price tag of more than $1.1 million (plus 1 percent for the public art program). Other street projects are critical to the city and its residents who foot the bill.

-	The traffic calming proposals are very positive changes to the Third Street corridor and deserve the thanks of the community for the effort of all who participated in this process. The fundamental flaw in this process is that traffic calming is planned for installation after the bridge, and its negative effects have already ruined life along Third Street. Concerns for future budgets will eclipse this part of the project.

-	The bridge ruins options for children who want to walk to Lena Whitmore.

-	The property values along East Third where the homes formerly on what amounted to a cul-de-sac have now been ruined.

Here is an alternative the council could use to preserve options for the future if - after appropriate planning and community consultation - a motor vehicle bridge is found to be essential.

Right now, give the community the opportunity to construct a pedestrian/cyclist/handicapped access bridge at the community's expense through a renewed contribution campaign across the creek, preserving the lovely willows. Don't jeopardize the potential bond issue with an unwanted bridge.

Focus on the projects the city needs and wants. Save the time and effort for a planning process for the city bond election proposed for the spring.

Linda Pall
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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