EDITORIAL: Local transportation officials took correct course on Valley Mills Drive
Those who believe government doesn’t work might rethink the idea after seeing the Waco Metropolitan Planning Organization bow to reasonable concerns of local businessmen and shelve a proposal that would have erected medians down the middle of traffic-heavy Valley Mills and Hewitt drives.
No less than Waco City Manager Larry Groth made a motion to accept a revised proposal by MPO director Chris Evilia to stow the projects and use the millions of dollars allotted elsewhere. The MPO policy board, which oversees area transportation projects, made the decision after merchants along Valley Mills Drive, fearful of reduced access, said speeders, not busy shared-turn lanes, are the problem.
Pressed by a Trib editorial board member after the Wednesday meeting, businessmen expressed happiness with the MPO decision, even as they also offered solutions for the vehicular melee we often see on Valley Mills Drive: a move to lower speed limits, a greater presence by the Waco police and more clearly designated crosswalks for pedestrians.
Waco City Council member Alice Rodriguez had the best quote of the day in seconding Groth’s motion: “I don’t think we’re in the business of doing away with or hurting businesses. We’re about economic development, creating jobs and making money.”
We wouldn’t go quite that far. We’re also about public safety. Considering the nearly 200 crashes on Valley Mills Drive in 2008, some of which sent people to the hospital, we’re hardly opposed to further study of the matter. But, as Evilia and others correctly noted, the merchants along Valley Mills Drive should be a pivotal part of any solution process.
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