I was not sure exactly how to handle comments to this blog. At first, I thought it would be helpful to only allow registered users to comment, but soon realized that many of the visitors to this blog would not have an OpenID or Blogger account. What I hoped to prevent was some of the license to name call or finger point that anonymity lends itself to. I decided instead to go to moderated comments, which will allow anyone to make comments, but also allow me to help the blog stay fair, clean and respectful. I'll post any comments except for those that include labeling / name calling and profanity.
And probably, my fears are a bit unfounded because the comment number is exactly - zero - at this point. However, I would like to stir up some commentary and dialogue here, so please feel free to let your feelings be known, even if you disagree with someone or your viewpoint is unpopular. Just keep it respectful.
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2 comments:
OK, you know I couldn't help but comment on this topic. Because I am a planner and as a life-long person, I know how these things can affect people and communities.
I would encourage you to look at the effect that major thoroughfares have had on other areas of the country. Maybe moving people through at high speeds is not the best for our country after all. Maybe we could get to more public transportation (I think the Front Runner and TRAX have had positive impacts already) so rather than waste money on outmoded transportation options, we should be looking at how to maximize the infrastructure that we have in more efficient ways. One thing is clear, the status quo is broken and inherently unsustainable.
In addtion, there is a concept planners use called "induced necessity" which has reference to this kind of project. Not only is it assumed that these kinds of projects are necessary, but that they will help alleviate congestion and other problems. But building a big road is like a magnet for development - HEY, FREE ROAD! - and increased traffic. That's why more roads are seldom the best solution - they create their own traffic and then we're back to where we started with the congestion.
What we really need is a ferry across the Great Salt Lake so that the lands on the west side can be developed as well... :-)
Thank you for your comments, billy bob. I appreciate your perspective, especially because you are a city planner. You said, Not only is it assumed that these kinds of projects are necessary, but that they will help alleviate congestion and other problems. But building a big road is like a magnet for development - HEY, FREE ROAD! - and increased traffic. That's why more roads are seldom the best solution - they create their own traffic and then we're back to where we started with the congestion.
One of the things that the project manager for the North Legacy project told me was that a road like this might act as a boundary for development (development would go up to the road and wouldn't likely go further west). I don't think I've seen that to be the case with any other major arterial roads; most often it's like you said, that it actually invites development east and west--commercial development close to it and residential development surrounding it.
From the current plans, it looks like they've ruled out a light rail project for Ogden City. I think that's a major shame. TRAX has had a great impact on the willingness of residents to get out of their cars in Salt Lake County. Instead, in Weber and Davis Counties, they're focusing on roads for cars instead of public transportation. And with gas prices likely to continue to rise (I heard on the news they're estimating now that prices will reach $7 a gallon), I think we're already behind in creating viable alternatives to the cars we currently drive.
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