Connecticut Street residents, council, nix sidewalks
For more than 10 years, there has been a plan to build a sidewalk from the Shell Mound to the Mound House on Connecticut Street and, for that long, residents have protested it, saying it would mean one more intrusion on their lives.
Town Council on Monday agreed with those residents and the compromise that was drawn up last year that would end the sidewalk at the Shell Mound from Estero Boulevard.
Instead of a sidewalk, it is possible that a stamped walkway, similar to a bike path, could be placed in the middle of the road.
During public comment, the proposed sidewalk was the hot topic, with much of the 40 minutes devoted to comment on it as Connecticut Street residents lined up to voice their disapproval.
They believed the sidewalks would make people drive faster, create more intrusion on their lives and even reduce their property values.
“Sidewalks are a commercial intrusion. Just because you control the rights of way doesn’t mean you should use them,” said Bill Veach.
“Sidewalks are not a good use of public funds. There are less impediments and they make people drive faster. Markings would be less expensive,” said Art Monahan.
Besides, they also said, there was an agreement made with the previous council on a compromise last year, and that the new council should respect the decisions of the previous board.
When it came time for council members to speak. Mayor Anita Cereceda said she had supported the sidewalk to the Mound House since it was proposed. However, after additional consideration, she has changed her mind.
Cereceda suggested a striped path down Connecticut Street from the Shell Mound to the Mound House.
“It is not a sidewalk, but a path to something special. It directs you to where you’re supposed to be going,” Cereceda said. “It could be a nice addition to the street and less impact on the neighborhood.”
Vice Mayor Ray Murphy, who was on the council when the town decided to purchase the Mound House, said he is proud of that legacy.
He understood the potential for impact, however,
“I knew that neighborhood would never be the same. Nice things have happened and the people have learned to live with it,” Murphy said. “This is a small thing they ask for to retain what their neighborhood was.”
Murphy added that just as residents had a say on sidewalks, they should also have a say on the painted path.
Town Council voted unanimously to deny the sidewalk plan, to the delight of the neighborhood.
“We’re thrilled because this is a beautiful residential road and council agreed we need to keep it looking like paradise,” said Roz Grady. “I’m fine with stamping something out on the street.”