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Bonanza
Connection is not Black and White
Those behind the
push to connect Bonanza Drive and Vista Parkway want us
to believe that this is a simple matter of constructing
a minor road connection so that Erie will reap an
economic harvest along Highway 7. These interests have
suggested that this stretch of Bonanza is now a major
artery capable of carrying heavy traffic, and that
retailers are just waiting in the wings.
If the issue
were that simple, there would be no debate.
In reality,
there are more questions than answers, and a premature
decision could cost the taxpayers millions. It is true
that developers will pay some of the cost to simply pave
the small connection. But the physical connection is a
tiny piece of an enormous puzzle with an unknown price
tag. It is likely that major improvements will be
required to convert this sleepy street to a major
thoroughfare. The taxpayers will be left to pay for any
other improvements mandated by our development code,
such as medians, sidewalks, the purchase of additional
right-of-way, and more. Some have suggested that these
improvements will not be necessary, but in reality, we
do not have these answers. A study is underway, but it
is not complete.
We have been
told that undermining is not a problem at the connection
point. Maybe so, but undermining is a major obstacle
along the existing stretch of roadway. Two years ago, a
large portion of this road collapsed due to
undermining. Increased traffic will only aggravate the
problem. Will we pay to mitigate the undermining now,
or will we simply repair the street each time it caves
in?
Why are we being
asked to do this? We are told that if we build it,
retail will come. But there is no proof that converting
this road will entice development. Much of the
purported evidence is nothing but innuendo and hearsay.
In fact, one Highway 7 developer has publicly stated
that they purchased the land without any expectation of
a connection at Bonanza.
And what of the
safety and quality of life for those who live on and
near this street? Will children be consigned to their
backyards, lest they be hit by a speeding car?
Currently the traffic count for Bonanza is approximately
500 cars per day. If connected, the Town of Erie
Transportation Master Plan projects 9,000 cars per day
at buildout. Does this seem appropriate for a
residential street? Would you welcome that many cars in
front of your home without any tangible evidence of
benefit, other than vague innuendo and promises made by
politicians with an agenda?
Under the right
circumstances, after proper study, understanding costs
and funding mechanisms, and most importantly, with a
guarantee of a return, connecting Bonanza might make
sense. But it is wrong to destroy a neighborhood
without fully understanding the required road
improvements, cost to taxpayers, the impact on
residents, and without any genuine promise of meaningful
benefit.
For information you will not find elsewhere, go to
www.bonanzainfo.com. |
