Letter To The Editor: “City of New Melle, You Can Do Better In Regard To The Proposed ADA Trail”
Regarding the proposed crosswalk at the Library on Hwy Z, this is dangerous and a bad decision. The number of cars turning right into Fiddlestix (residents and Library patrons) is huge at times.
There is no right-hand turn lane; people are driving too fast and following too closely on Hwy Z. What will happen if the car yielding for a pedestrian in the crosswalk comes to a complete stop and the driver behind them isn’t paying attention? Likely, a serious rear-end collision, possibly involving the pedestrian or bicyclist. What is the average speed of a southbound vehicle on Hwy Z at the Library?The City of New Melle has ZERO speed limit enforcement.
Pushing the crosswalk back to Foristell Road would be safer. Eliminating the crosswalk at the Library and utilizing one crosswalk at Foristell Road on Hwy Z would be a much safer solution.
Fire Stations all over the world have sidewalks in front of stations. There is plenty of space between the firehouse doors and a relocated sidewalk in front of the station. I believe that a sidewalk was part of the Fire Station's original plans.
Fiddlestix residents deserve a safe crossing on Foristell Road. The residents do not want any magnolia trees removed. They are a part of our unique subdivision. I suggest moving the proposed ADA trail from the west side to the east side of the Library. The trail should join the sidewalk in front of the Library, rather than dumping into the very busy entrance/exit of a parking lot. That way, the trees are spared, and the trail users would be in a safer environment.
One last note: What safety measures are in place to protect the bicyclist traveling west on the Foristell Road ADA trail at 300 Foristell Road, the County Parks Landhous? The elevation loss is significant, and small children on bicycles have no fear. Vehicles entering and exiting at 300 Foristell Road will not be expecting a child to zoom past. Weekends are busy at the Landhous, and weekends are busy at the Park at New Melle Lakes. We need to warn and protect all the Trail users.
I appreciate your efforts with the ADA Trail, but I think you can do better.
Christopher C. Caldwell, Sr.
