Better plan needed

Ken E. Carlson

Dear editor:
I would like to comment on the article in the Sept. 23 edition of the Daily Bulletin headlined “Town eyeing Scott Street work.”
I have problems with the plan to eliminate the sidewalk on the south side of Scott Street from Minnie Avenue to Colonization Road East.
1. In the 1200 block, we do not have a back alley, so it would be very hard to back boats, etc. off a four-lane highway if there is no inside pullover lane like it is now.
2. The Bulletin article stated that Mr. Brown said that there was “no public outcry when the town eliminated the sidewalk of First Street East.” The difference here is that First Street had a back alley to use and less traffic out front.
3. People from the south side would have to cross a four-lane highway close to the sharp corner at the river to get to a sidewalk. One would have to walk across private properties to get to a corner to cross safely.
4. Much of Scott Street is not four-lane now so it is not necessary to four-lane the east end now until some day when they are going to do all of Scott Street. Also, the traffic at this time is not heavy enough to warrant four lanes, and it wouldn’t do any good now until all of Scott Street is done.
The money could be better used now to repair some of the terribly dippy streets in town.
5. In 1982, only 26 years ago, Scott Street was re-done, causing us property owners much money by changing our sewer pipes and driveway entrances, etc. Hopefully, now only 26 years later, that we will not be billed for ripping up a good street again so soon.
In conclusion, the four-lane highway clearly is not needed at this time. A better plan for the distant future is much needed, instead.
Signed,
Ken E. Carlson
Fort Frances, Ont.