Bridges Now
In last month’s issue (Editor’s Letter, September), Bruce Allar tossed out a host of “what ifs” on building bridges across the
The problems include:
• A tangled regional interchange, Spaghetti Junction, where two accidents occur on average every day.
• A need for more bridge lanes downtown, the heart of the regional economic hub, where the
• A need to close the gap in a cross-river highway loop with an eastern bridge.
If we pursued only one bridge, as Mr. Allar suggested, we would /files/storyimages/up with a dysfunctional cross-river transportation system. Congestion levels would be about the same or worse than we have now, according to a federal study.
Changing course now would also kill the chance of building any bridges for years because we would have to start all over again in the study process. Progress would be significantly delayed while costs would continue to increase.
We have not built a new bridge across the
While we appreciate Mr. Allar’s input and concern, the focus needs to be on finding innovative ways to get the entire project built faster and cost-effectively.
C. Edward Glasscock
Chairman, Build the Bridges Coalition
Triangle Talk
As a Cherokee Triangle resident somewhat involved with the Landmarks process concerning (Jefferson Development Group’s) proposed replacement of Aquarius Apartments, I read the article (“Grande Master,” September issue) with interest.
I have discussed this matter on any number of occasions with interested parties with varying views of the project. What I have never heard is anything to justify Mr. Cogan’s statement, “They’re still giving us crap about tearing the (Aquarius) down.” The neighbors, neighborhood association and governmental units involved by law in the process simply wish for JDG to comply with all applicable laws and regulations, should he choose and gain approval to demolish Aquarius. That Mr. Cogan considers this “crap” may explain why, at times, the process has been fraught with more enmity than necessary.
I’m advised that, despite admonitions held unanimously by the governmental units in charge that JDG’s plans thus far submitted were totally out of kilter with that which would be acceptable, he is preparing to submit yet another plan, which remains totally out of scale with the neighborhood, laws and Landmark guidelines. One must wonder if JDG has heard what it has been told, or if decision makers there have made a decision to simply ignore input they have sought and received.
I am sorry that Mr. Cogan’s feelings have been hurt, as the article quotes him. How does he think interested neighbors feel, when he and his staff continually disregard the input from the neighborhood and governmental units?
My feeling is that most involved in the process simply want what’s best for the neighborhood. Unfortunately Mr. Cogan’s combative attitude is contrary to that, as underscored by his own words, “Bring it on.”
C.D. Kaplan
Corrections
The name of Dr. John F. Cooper was misidentified in our listing of the top infectious diseases physicians in the August issue’s Top Docs coverage.
Due to an editing error, the August story on gun violence and youth, “Trigger Unhappy,” misidentified Sarah Brady as the “widow” of gun victim Jim Brady. He is still living and she is his wife. The story also may have overstated turnout at the 2000 Million Mom March; though the numbers are disputed, more conservative estimates of 750,000 marching in Washington and 200,000 gathering in other cities would have been more appropriate figures for the turnout.
Finally, the resource list following the story “Set in Stone” in our September issue provided an incorrect phone number for stonemason Bob Rogers. The correct number is 241-7340.
We regret the errors.
