Published: September 04, 2008 11:41 pm            

Give input Monday on bridge

Once again our fine city leaders are pushing headlong, regardless of the continued resistance of the average citizens! You realize, of course, that the mayor and the upper echelon want this pedestrian bridge badly. Never mind that so many reject this wasteful project. Something with this much exposure, with such large funds involved, and supposedly of so much importance to Edmond, should have been given more consideration with regards to “we the people.” There should have been a call for citizen input on this important issue.

The city administration easily could have offered a Citizen Survey on the EdmondOK.com Web site and through The Edmond Sun — much like was done regarding the establishment of a new city green-recycling center for yard and garden waste. Remember, from a few months ago? That was set up so that all residents could provide viewpoints. But, it is obvious that they do not really wish to rule on the basis of average resident representation — only by the special interests of the business and cultural elite.

But let’s get back to the actual Edmond Bridge to Nowhere as aptly described from the beginning. A woman previously wrote in that this monster is definitely needed because of the imminent arrival of Amtrak service, or even perhaps the establishment of OKC metro-area, light-rail transportation. Those are so far out on the horizon of public service!

Then, we will need just oodles of new parking. And there is the remark from one of our well-placed decision makers that, “I cringe whenever I see some people trying to navigate across those railroad tracks to the west!” OK, so you think anything can offset the stupidity of a few? “So we must build an expensive bridge for these poor people to use, instead.”

Now think about the arrival of dubious Amtrak service or even light-rail public transport. It is ridiculous to think that all of the existing Festival Market Place parking would ever be filled up all at once! Travelers and their vehicles will be coming and going throughout the day and parking spaces will always open up just like they do whenever people go shopping or conduct business and use any other downtown parking spaces.

The basic reality is that if you want to find a place to park in town empty spaces can be found. Just take a little effort to look and maybe even leave your rolling cocoon some distance away, then get some needed walking exercise. I went out to the Farmer’s Market a few weeks ago, during the “market rush” on a day with fine weather, and found a space within decent walking distance right away. Again, vehicles come and go. Why is this so hard to understand?

There is plenty of public parking across from the city Downtown Community Center, as well as in the public lots next to the downtown city offices and behind the courthouse, just east of downtown. There always will be parking (if you just look) on other parking lots throughout downtown.

And, street parking always will open up on Broadway as well as on the several downtown side streets, as the day goes along. Also, with regards to that related plan to develop new parking across Second Street to the south, anyone with basic sense should understand that it would be used primarily by employees of adjacent businesses, or by those attending only intermittent Festival Market Place events. Special activities there will be few and scattered throughout the spring and fall season, and the regular Farmer’s Market only will be open during that same time frame. So then, we are expected to accept that we actually need those 160 extra new parking spaces to serve these relatively few occasions.

People still will be forced to cross at the Broadway and Second Street stop light anyway if shopping or doing business along that south block of downtown — or maybe we should just ditch that business area.

Now look carefully and consider the option of creating a safe and functional surface crosswalk between the Festival Marketplace and that proposed new city parking lot. It could be placed equi-distant between that decrepit train bridge and the Broadway and Second Street intersection. It easily could accommodate pedestrians crossing on flat land, crossing north/south, next to the alley. Place a pedestrian-friendly stoplight right there, along with bold and clearly painted crossing markers on the pavement. Then, place some decorative items like more wrought-iron lamps and possible railings.

But, let’s face it…the ruling elite just want to tap into the “centennial” again. This time with a huge “work of public art” and once again at major public expense. It’s their gift to the masses. They already have spent many thousands of our tax dollars on a study by some high-level (and “no-bid”) design firm. You would think with all of that cash slated for this project, they could come up with some better design than what was chosen.

But again, we average types couldn’t even express our opinions and desires on this “chosen” design. So now we get some brute object that involves a sheathing of colored concrete suspended above the Second Street traffic flow. You know, the type that “chunks off” over time and weather, with pieces falling onto unsuspecting vehicles below causing serious damage and even death. We get colored brick and concrete again. Go figure!

Oh yes, and that seriously ugly railroad bridge, immediately behind and in front of this monster “art work” will overpower the new bridge with its rusting, paint-flaking, steel hulk. Thank you Santa Fe Burlington Northern Railroad.

I have lived in many cities, similar and larger in size to Edmond, and have even served their residents on committees and as city staff. I also have attended many board, commission and City Council meetings here in Edmond, since I moved here some years ago. I have even engaged our high-placed city staff on a variety of issues directly. But, I have never experienced such upper level elitism as here in Edmond! Many people that I meet from Oklahoma City and surrounding communities express the same opinion during conversation — and no, they are not just jealous.

Everything about this bridge just seems to validate that perception. But, since this project seems to be a “foregone conclusion” this is all just an exercise in futility. However, please attend Monday’s City Council meeting to at least let your voices be heard. That is the only way that democracy will work!

MIKE SCHARRER is an

Edmond resident.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.