<html><head><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"></head><body dir="auto">Courtesy of today’s (January 29, 2018) Moscow-Pullman Daily News with thanks to D. Nels Reese.<div><br></div><div>———————————————-</div><div><br></div><div><div><h1 itemprop="headline" class="headline" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 42px; margin: 0px 100px 0px 0px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.1; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Letter: A broader look at Third</span></h1></div><div><br></div><div>We should take a new and fresh look at Third Street. As the city moves forward with plans for a new connecting bridge, the opportunity arises to create a pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly street unique to Moscow and the region. Imagine bicyclists enjoying the safe ride from Mountain View Road to Main Street.</div><div><br></div><div>The city took time with a select committee to review opportunities for Third Street. Several options have been on show at City Hall. The "C Option" - dedicated to bicycle traffic - offers the most possibilities.</div><div><br></div><div>With a more creative charge, the redevelopment of Third Street could be even more profound.</div><div><br></div><div>The Fort Russell Neighborhood Historic District has been expanded and runs for seven blocks from Jefferson to Hayes Street - City Hall to East City Park - two very used and loved sites.</div><div><br></div><div>Those seven blocks represent the longest stretch of historic blocks in the city. The Downtown Historic District, just five blocks long, includes six stand-alone buildings on Main Street that are on the National Register, while Third Street has four: City Hall (1910), the First Methodist Church (1904), the 1912 Center (1912) and the Mason Cornwall House (1889).</div><div><br></div><div>We have made great strides in turning Main Street and its historic properties into a very pleasing and useful area that respects pedestrians and accepts cars. We could do the same on Third. Imagine - along with the relatively flat bicycle lane - a row of flowering trees along East City Park.</div><div><br></div><div>As sidewalks need to be repaired we could enlarge them into 6-feet-wide walks rather than the very tight 4-foot walks. There could be special lights and signage that would assist citizens in understanding where the Historic District begins and ends.</div><div><br></div><div>My point is that this: the Third Street opportunity is quite special and should not be squandered.</div><div><br></div><div>D. Nels Reese</div><div>Moscow</div></div><div><br></div><div>———————————————-<br><div><br><div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Seeya 'round town, Moscow, because . . .</span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"Moscow Cares" (the most fun you can have with your pants on)</span></div><div><a href="http://www.moscowcares.com/" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000">http://www.MoscowCares.com</font></a></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></div><div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Tom Hansen</span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Moscow, Idaho</span></div></div><div> </div></div></div></div></body></html>