To the Editor,
Hi folks: Sorry I have been remiss with editorials but stuff has been rough…BUT…From Public Participation at the City Council meeting….For those who watched my primary purpose in addressing the Council was Public Safety. Previously I brought up the concerns of those trying to cross Elm St., and knowing me asked me, if there is anything that can be done to make it safer? This time it was crossing Franklin St., from Elm to Washington. They too pointed out the danger conditions for pedestrians Folks do we have to have a blood sacrifice before our councilors will take this serious enough to pool their smarts and come up with a solution?
The other topic was the new sidewalks going in on Springfield Rd. While it looks like a nice job; first why? Do that many people walk along Springfield Rd., especially when this walk does not go all the way to Wal-Mart? The real problem brought to my attention from some business people was: who is going to be responsible for maintaining that sidewalk, especially in winter? OK, this is a state highway; and where is the snow going when the plows move it? On to the sidewalk? Most likely. That can be an expensive proposition for some business owners. The amount of snow from a 2 lane highway is going to be substantial. Down town the city removes the snow after from the side of the street. If the snow is banks are on the sidewalk that won’t be easy. If the business owners have to move from the side walk; to where? It would be quite expensive to plow and remove it from the side walk.
Our City Council has already created an image of a not so business friendly city. Where a business can be established; too much traffic; the wrong zone for that business, and other stipulations that do discourage new businesses. OK, you folks know I am a Pro-people person, but to be Pro-people you have to be pro-business to mitigate taxes, to have a place to attract people to shop, and businesses that keep up with our 21 st century Next New Human Epoch business world. As you read the paper, or watch local news you see all sorts of efforts to restore economic stability to the towns and cities around us. We have resources to undo that, but we can allow continued efforts to thwart new businesses. My degree is in Urban and Regional Planning, with a lot of course in Urban Studies, and Public Admin. As well, since my youth I have been involved civic and community affairs where I worked with, and learned from some very smart and successful people what works and what won’t. And, if the plan doe not work, neither do we. Think about it, PLEASE, and share your thoughts with your City Councilors; you hired them, please act like it.
OK, before I go I do want to wish Seasons Greeting to those good citizens who share their concerns with me. The good folks at Stop and Shop; Wal-greens (E. Silver St.) and at Westfield Savings, on Arnold St., who cheer me up, handle my problems not only professionally, but in such a positive way. And, do not hit me due to expressing my sense of humor. As well, as I said at the City Council meeting; to wish our city employees, whether in city hall, or who work at city departments. Especially to the members of our Police and Fire Dept.’s; DPW, and Water. The wonderful folks who do so much for old timers like me at the Senior Center; Julie and James who do so very much for us Veterans. To fantastic folks at Westfield Technical Academy where I am a greeter at Tiger’s Pride; to include faculty, students, staff, and councilors, and admin. As well, the members of our City Council and School Committee, whether we agree or not; I do recognizer the time that they have to put into dealing with advocates as myself.
Your former Ward 3 City Councilor, Brian Hoose, [email protected]
