In my latest LTE to the Keene Sentinel I address my concerns over a ridiculous road project funded by federal grants that the city is trying to execute in my quiet neighborhood in north Keene. Because, you know, free money.
Well, they’re at it again. The federal grant-chasers of America are doing what they do best — finding expensive projects to invest in that we didn’t know we actually needed. Enter the Jonathan Daniels Road Calming Pilot project, an initiative to get more kids riding their bikes to school by adding more safety features to our already safe roads. Never mind the fact that this is the last year of JD Elementary. To get a better idea of their proposed plan I attended their Tuesday night meeting for questions and comments.
In order to receive the $132,000 grant, the project must be carried out by outside contractors. The city, which could probably perform this same project for a fraction of the cost, cannot be involved in the hands-on labor. Sounds fishy already. Some of the costs listed included $2,000 stripped road crossings, $5,000 radar speed signs, and $6,000 raised crosswalks.
“But it’s free money.” No. There is no such thing. Someone is picking up the check. In this case it’s getting tacked right on to the federal credit card.
“But think of the children.” I am thinking of the kids. Like my daughter, who stands to inherit this massive credit card bill.
“But this project could prevent future accidents.” What accidents? Between 2007-10 (the stats that were included in the project plan) there were 15 total accidents. All of them were minor, including the school bus that hit a parked car, and all occurred on Maple Ave. or in the school parking lot. Not a single accident occurred in Maple Acres, where the proposed project will be implemented.
“But more signs will make us safer.” No. This city is already suffering information overload from too many signs. Drivers should be paying attention to the roads, pedestrians and other vehicles, and not be lambasted by some sign every 20 feet. If anything, the city of Keene should be emulating the street system we have in Maple Acres: wide-open streets with limited street signage and road markers.
But don’t take my word for it. Google “Shared Space” urban design that is being tried in some European towns. The concept is simple. Remove all signs, sidewalks, crosswalks and drivers and pedestrians will become intuitively more aware of each other and their surroundings. Everywhere they have tried this, traffic efficiency has increased while accidents have been drastically reduced. Of course, none of that would jibe with the mindset of our city representatives. How could you possibly make something more efficient and safer by spending less money on it?
The road calming project will be presented to City Council to vote on within the month. Judging by their current track record of accepting more “free” stuff (BEARCAT, fish farm, North Bridge) I expect they will vote in the affirmative. Never mind the future maintenance fees and probable federal strings attached to such freebies.
We don’t need this project. Our streets in Maple Acres are fine the way they are. If elected to City Council, this is exactly the sort of wasteful and unnecessary spending that I will stand up against. What we need in this city is more common sense and a lot more thinking outside the box. Not more signs.
Conan Salada
Editor’s note: The letter writer is running for an at-large seat on the Keene City Council.
