FOR UPCOMING PAVING PROJECTS
Fairhope resident and Smart Coast co-founder Wendy Allen again requested the city include the complete streets philosophy (bike lanes, sidewalks, etc.) in the proposed road paving projects: Allen's organization was the impetus for Fairhope becoming the first city in the state to adopt the CS policy 2 years ago.
Allen encouraged the Mayor/Council to think long term -- and said a more bicycle/walker friendly city would boost eco-tourism and be a boon for local businesses.
She said the up-front costs would eventually be recouped: "You have to spend money to make money."
CITY COULD BE TRAIL TOWN
According to Councilmember Quinn, the city could be designated a national Trail Town; but it would help if the Eastern Shore Trail had connecting bike lanes through the city.
After Quinn asked Mayor Kant if any roads on the proposed paving list had been looked at for complete streets -- he replied only Morphy Rd. Extension had (bwt Greeno and Thomson Hall Rd.); but he was limited there by engineering/safety concerns (minimum road width) and there wasn't enough room for both sidewalks and bike lanes. Kant said the Single Tax Corp. has offered to fund a sidewalk there so bike lanes are probably off the table for now.
The Mayor added bike lanes would be striped on Magnolia and Fels Aves. -- and crosswalks will be painted throughout town.
Quinn told the Times later:
"The city must always look at how we appear and appeal to visitors. We found that very true after Hurricane Ivan when we realized how much visitors impacted our local merchants success. To be able to promote Fairhope as a walkable, bikable community, there has to be bike lanes. We get very negative reports on national websites when we promote the Eastern Shore Trail. The lack of bike lanes gives us the appearance that we are a Complete Street Community when we aren't.....and to become one, doesn't take a lot of effort. I really thought the council had made that clear to the mayor 2 weeks ago....but it seems we didn't. I'm hoping that the next batch of streets to be resurfaced will include more streets with bike lanes."
CITIZEN SURVEY PROPOSED
Wendy Allen suggested the Smart Coast organization work with city staff on the next round of road paving to better implement the complete street policy -- and proposed a citizen survey be taken to gauge the level of community support for it.
Councilman Stankoski said he agreed with Allen and hoped the policy could be better implemented.
PAVING LIST FINALLY APPROVED
The long-delayed paving list was finally approved by the council after 5 roads were added.
Council President Mixon said about 13.5 miles of road will be paved at a cost of over $1.5 million: to begin within 45 days (Mobile Asphalt Company).
Mixon asked the Mayor to give monthly progress report updates to the council.
Fairhope resident and Smart Coast co-founder Wendy Allen again requested the city include the complete streets philosophy (bike lanes, sidewalks, etc.) in the proposed road paving projects: Allen's organization was the impetus for Fairhope becoming the first city in the state to adopt the CS policy 2 years ago.
Allen encouraged the Mayor/Council to think long term -- and said a more bicycle/walker friendly city would boost eco-tourism and be a boon for local businesses.
She said the up-front costs would eventually be recouped: "You have to spend money to make money."
CITY COULD BE TRAIL TOWN
According to Councilmember Quinn, the city could be designated a national Trail Town; but it would help if the Eastern Shore Trail had connecting bike lanes through the city.
After Quinn asked Mayor Kant if any roads on the proposed paving list had been looked at for complete streets -- he replied only Morphy Rd. Extension had (bwt Greeno and Thomson Hall Rd.); but he was limited there by engineering/safety concerns (minimum road width) and there wasn't enough room for both sidewalks and bike lanes. Kant said the Single Tax Corp. has offered to fund a sidewalk there so bike lanes are probably off the table for now.
The Mayor added bike lanes would be striped on Magnolia and Fels Aves. -- and crosswalks will be painted throughout town.
Quinn told the Times later:
"The city must always look at how we appear and appeal to visitors. We found that very true after Hurricane Ivan when we realized how much visitors impacted our local merchants success. To be able to promote Fairhope as a walkable, bikable community, there has to be bike lanes. We get very negative reports on national websites when we promote the Eastern Shore Trail. The lack of bike lanes gives us the appearance that we are a Complete Street Community when we aren't.....and to become one, doesn't take a lot of effort. I really thought the council had made that clear to the mayor 2 weeks ago....but it seems we didn't. I'm hoping that the next batch of streets to be resurfaced will include more streets with bike lanes."
CITIZEN SURVEY PROPOSED
Wendy Allen suggested the Smart Coast organization work with city staff on the next round of road paving to better implement the complete street policy -- and proposed a citizen survey be taken to gauge the level of community support for it.
Councilman Stankoski said he agreed with Allen and hoped the policy could be better implemented.
PAVING LIST FINALLY APPROVED
The long-delayed paving list was finally approved by the council after 5 roads were added.
Council President Mixon said about 13.5 miles of road will be paved at a cost of over $1.5 million: to begin within 45 days (Mobile Asphalt Company).
Mixon asked the Mayor to give monthly progress report updates to the council.
Comments
There are so many bad/dangerous drivers on the road.