Air Pollution/Calming Traffic

You have at least given me some concretes to work with. Let's start with air polution. My logic tells me that there will be no improvement in air quality due to the changes on these streets. There simply isn't enough traffic to make a difference. My research was to call Randy Dittburner, an employee from the City of Phoenix, who worked with the people in Willo who wanted these changes. Per Randy, the new lanes would have no pollution impact, other than maybe to increase pollution at 3rd Ave and McDowell, where moving to 2 lanes may cause some standing traffic.
Regarding accidents, I spoke to Mike Frisbee(I think he works at Street Planning and Design) and he said there was no abnormal amounts of accidents on 3rd and 5th Aves. Randy is going to look up some figures and get back to me as a follow-up. Randy did say that the new 'striking' (the term for the lane restructuring) was insisted upon by the few people in Willo who wanted this change for 'traffic calming' purposes. However, he anticipated _no_ significant reductions in either speed or traffic level. On the other hand, he has received several calls from people who have been confused by the new lanes and his department has observed instances of confusion on the road.
Not a good thing.
Follow-up studies will be done to see what impact (if any) the new lanes do have. Randy also mentioned that no attempt was made by the Willo group to circulate patitions or get a general neighborhood consensus.
There was some speeding down 3rd and 5th Ave's and traffic was somewhat heavier than a comparable street (although Randy said in actuality there were no comparable streets because of the unique nature of 3rd and 5th Avenues). This was not unusual, considering the makeup of the streets and the downtown location.
To sum up, no air pollution issues, no significant reductions in accidents, speeding or traffic levels. Confusion on the lanes by many. One wasted lane.
Tax dollars spent (at least not a lot!).

My suggestions, if you must look for 'worthy' causes: 1)Make sure there really is an objective problem that needs attention and 2) Make sure your solution will actually solve the problem for everyone.

Judy

Willo Meetings

I was at several Willo Association meeting where this issue was discussed. Your points are well taken, but may I ask if you attend the regular meetings? I would also like to know if you would be willing to volunteer to do petitioning for future issues?

By Michelle

Informed on Changes

I read the monthly new letters, and attend the willo association meetings regularly. I was aware of the changes and the impact that these changes would make.

Each post I have read is great. It shows that people care about their neighborhood. If everybody who has responded would attend the meetings and volunteer for research groups, we could avoid unhappy neighbors in the future.

I look forward to meeting each of you at the next meeting.

Jeannie

By Jeannie

Willo Neighborhood Group

Greetings, Michelle,
I have thought about getting involved with the group, but from the many things I have seen, my philosophy is much different than that of the individuals making up this group. I firmly believe in property rights (and was very disappointed at what went on over the proposed building of apartments at Central and McDowell), Capitalism, progress and freedom. I believe in using ruthless logic, not whim or emotions, in decision making of this type.
If I thought that my ideas would be welcomed, I'd consider it. But if I were to get involved with the Willo Committee, my first argument would be to get all those 3 lanes back in action ASAP. I wouldn't have a prayer!

Thanks,
Judy


By Judy