Sometimes when common sense has not persisted, things happen which allow it to creep in by the backdoor.
In the October 19th edition of the Journal, it was reported that the Town Council had to withdraw its convoluted idea of fencing part of the RCMP Park. While the closure of an easement remains questionable to some of us, the park will remain unobstructed.
Since Council seems to believe that they have extra tax money which is just waiting to be spent, I offer up the following suggestions.
I will start with an easy project. It would be very nice to see the area immediately east of the sewage treatment plant cleaned-up. The attached photo of the site is offered as support for the need of some attention.
For many years now I have waited for the Town leaders to put into action a plan to make our community a safer place for us all who choose to be pedestrians. The are a significant number of people who cross 50th avenue at 42nd street. The only indication that there might be a pedestrian crossing there is the lines painted on the pavement which are totally obliterated by road crud and snow in the winter. Motorists coming from the east are aware of the lights at the corner of 40th street but there is absolutely nothing to advise them that there is a pedestrian crossing up ahead. At this time of the year, the danger is compounded when the setting sun is blinding as one drives west. We are constantly told that nothing has been done because any action there must be approved by the Department of Highways. It is true that the government which controls highways frowns upon stringing things over the roadway, but they have few objections to crosswalks being properly marked. What is lacking is the will for proper action being taken. I must presume that Council is waiting for a tragedy to occur! Let me assure you that people using this crosswalk (I use the term reluctantly) are in much greater danger than children playing in any of our parks. What I have described above applies equally in all aspects at the intersection of 50th avenue and 56th street (aka Golf Course Road).
The Mayor was very quick to tell us that the moneys gathered in from photo radar would be used to improve safety for the citizens of St. Paul. We are tired of excuses, we want action now!
I’ve also attached photos of a flashing light control in a neighbouring community that is totally acceptable to the Department of Highways (see print edition of story for photos). Furthermore, it is energy efficient as it operates by solar energy.
I invite all who share these concerns, please call the Councillors and let them know how you feel about these matters… they seem to need some prodding.
Paul E Boisvert
A citizen of St. Paul
