Calhoun Conversion Gets OK In Prelim Vote
Council uncharmed, OKs 2-way Calhoun
Link (JG)
“In a 5-2 preliminary vote, the council approved hiring Hipskind Concrete for $1 million to change Calhoun between Washington Boulevard and Berry Street from a one-way northbound route to allow two-way traffic.”
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“John Urbahns, director of community development, argued the city’s plan for Calhoun has not dramatically changed since it was first proposed in 2006 – it was estimated to cost $700,000 at the time. He said the street can’t be changed simply by adding some signs and repainting the stripes because of traffic concerns.
Delivery trucks frequently stop on Calhoun to provide goods to area businesses, and the city’s plan includes space for them to park. The plan also includes left-turn lanes, preventing traffic from backing up at intersections. The city would remove all the existing planters and trees on Calhoun, and much of the sidewalk. New trees would be installed closer to the street but with more underground space to grow. Smaller planters would also be added along Calhoun.
While the sidewalks would be narrower after construction, Urbahns argued there would be more usable space because of better placement of trees. Shoaff argued the current placement of trees and planters is what makes those blocks so special. Several people in the audience applauded Shoaff’s arguments.”
Construction on Calhoun moves forward
Link (WANE)
“The current Calhoun street has 50 trees. The new version will have five less. Plus, tall street lights will be replaced by lower ones.
“Calhoun street right now is lovely. I mean, it’s a very charming little street,” said Goldner. “However, I think the city’s plan will also be very attractive and provides as much sidewalk space as we currently have.”
Opponents have given council signed petitions opposing the construction. But council members who voted in favor of the contract are standing by their decision.
Council will have a final vote next week. Construction is expected to start late August.”
I don’t know the street, and I believe streets should generally be two-ways, but narrowing the sidewalk is a concern..
This is ridiculous and yet another case of our elected officials’ egos beating out their constituents’ wishes. In my opinion this boils down to a few people who want this to happen and they are going to get what they want. Honestly, do we really need to spend another $1m to give five business a delivery lane? Have they not been able to receive deliveries for the last 16 years? This is a waste of money and destruction of a perfectly good, user-friendly space. They’re going to spend this money and haven’t even figured out yet how they’re going to pay for the ballpark without the expected tax revenue from the non-existent Harrison Square condos and retail space.
The council members who vote for this proposal should be ashamed of themselves for so blatantly disregarding the wishes of the folks who voted them into their jobs. They need to remember that they have their jobs to serve the residents of Fort Wayne, not dictate to them.