HomeMy WebLinkAbout3/7/2023 Item 6d, Gurnee
Darren Gurnee <
To:E-mail Council Website; Keith Gurnee; Meri Kay Gurnee
Subject:Public Comment: Tuesday 3/7/2023 City Council Meeting Item 6d.
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I am writing a public comment towards item 6d. regarding the Chorro
Greenway Trail. The proposed resolution for funding exceeds the original
funding amounts designated for this project. As a public body meant to
represent its constituents, I ask how does diversion of funding serve the
greater good in this scenario? It doesn't, it only serves a small
demographic.
By all means, support bicyclists, but dedicating time and monies towards
other efforts can directly and/or indirectly support bicyclists and achieve
a greater benefit beyond just bicyclists for each dollar spent. Before
awarding monies to convert a road to bike path that will only serve a
limited few in the community, a luxury - not a need, I implore the city
council to divert its funding to address the following needs first before
constructing the greenway project:
- focus on the rails to trails projects, do not divert monies from these
projects. Railways don't include hundreds to thousands of driveways
with a potential of vehicular and bicycle conflicts that put bicyclists' lives
at risk. This system will increase the recreational bicycling activity more
than city streets.
- address the downtown core and pay for revitalization efforts. Brick and
mortar retail storefronts are failing and this project will not help.
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- pay up for affordable housing. I argue that giving someone a place to
live, even if temporarily, will enhance the quality of life in our community
more than a bicycle track at this time. Make a bicyclist life easier by not
stopping at stop signs or help provide someone a place to live. As a city
council member I would choose the latter.
- police officer acquisition and retention. Incentivize hiring by increasing
pay, improving benefits, and improving retirement. These individuals
protect our neighborhoods and place their lives on the line. If public
safety is the strategy, how many officers could you hire to patrol the stop
signs in the areas where a bicycle track is proposed? Officer presence can
change behavioral patterns, protect bicyclists, and provide ancillary
benefits of addressing crime in general. A bicycle track reinforces
entitlement and removes responsible bicycling by placing the onus on the
property owner.
Sincerely,
Darren Gurnee
108 Broad Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
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