Circle C Neighbors

85% agreed that the extension is not a safe alternative.

Mar 09, 2003

Escarpment Safety

Mar 9, 2003
Nancy, I appreciate your concern about Escarpment extension. However, for over two years, I thought I was the only neighbor that thought this was not a good solution. I even asked the board about this item and was told that it is what the majority wants. I still may be wrong, but I want to hear the opinions of the neighbors. There are currently only two major reasons I have heard so far.

First, some feel that it will be easier to get to the golf course or the Saltlick. I support those activities but the negatives I feel do threaten the safety of children, joggers, cyclists and motorist.

The main reason that I have been given for the extension is for the Fire station. We MUST get an EMS/Fire station. I previously stated that a solution does not always mean it is an appropriate solution. The current location does not make much since to me. I wonder if one item is driving the other.

The current location of the proposed fire station is on the eastside of the proposed Escarpment extension. I question if an emergency vehicle will respond to northern communities by exiting the station, making a left turn across Escarpment, taking a left turn across Hwy. 45, taking a left onto MoPac to respond to the north. Even if the emergency response did follow that path, they can not exit at Davis Lane because there is not an exit on the north bound side of Mopac. That emergency vehicle will go right up the middle of Circle C twenty-four hours a day. At three o'clock on a warm Spring Tuesday, that vehicle could be going up Escarpment. Parents driving to pick up children will be pulling over into the bike/jogging lane to allow passage. Children could be out walking and riding bikes. This alone is a reason to reconsider the location of this facility. But, please look again at its location. There is little land south of Hwy.45 that is in the county. Wouldn't the station be better located a LITTLE more central (north).

As for Escarpment itself, we do need to relieve some traffic. There are many planned streets that exit Circle C providing opportunities just like the planned of Escarpment. These feeder streets will allow the flow out of our neighborhoods and relieve the current traffic we see on Escarpment today. These feeder streets will not create a DIRECT path through. That is my main concern. People tend to take the most direct route. This will mean through the community.

If I am missing more something about the position of Escarpment, I am certainly open to want to hear those issues. Friday, while out talking to neighbors, I at least a 85% or greater agreed that the extension is not a safe alternative. These fellow residents agreed to sign a petition to ask that it be prevented.

-By Carl Kernodle