The comment period ended on August 18, 2009 at midnight. We suggest you contact your ACC Commissioner with comments.
Dear MACORTS Planners and ACC Elected Officials,
Overall, I am encouraged by MACORTS asserted commitment to "alternative transportation."
I am glad to see that MACORTS defines its central goal as maintaining an "intermodal transportation system that serves the needs of all citizens" (7). Likewise, I am pleased that it is "the goal of MACORTS to "encourage the use of bicycles as an alternative method of transportation" (112) and that bicycle use "merits encouragement" (110). I am also impressed that MACORTS supports "increased and accessible transit service" (10).
Despite these calls for more bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, however, I find a consistent emphasis on road widening and automobile accommodation, with occasional mention of "planned pedestrian and bicycle facilities." The inclusion of these facilities in projects is a step in the right direction, but I find an overall focus on expanding roadways, projects which will only encourage car-dependency and exacerbate traffic congestion. We can improve our air and water quality and our overall quality of life with significant investments in public transportation, bicycle infrastructure, and interconnected pedestrian thoroughfares.
For these reasons I oppose the following LRTP Projects:
R-1(Old Hull Road),
R-2 (Olympic Drive/ Indian Hills Parkway/Winterville Road)
R-3 (New road from US29 to Danielsville Rd)
R-4, R13 (Mitchell Bridge)
R-5 (Tallassee Road)
R-7 (Jennings Mill Parkway)
B-2 (Tallassee Bridge)
With the money freed up by the removal of the above projects, I recommend alternate projects that install bicycle lanes or off road paths on major routes, enhance greenway and rail-trail facilities, ensure the safety of our children walking or cycling to school, enhance bus shelters and bicycle parking facilties and improve sidewalk connectivity.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback.
