Debate continues over plans for reconstruction of Short Street

Decorah's Streets Committee will meet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 1st, to review plans for the Short Street project.  decorahnews.com readers continue to weigh in with their opinions about the project.  Here are the latest e-mails:

Carol e-mails: "I'd like to add my 2 cents on this project: I think it's great there will be some changes to that street!  As someone who tries to walk or use my bike for errands, I've tried walking along Short Street in the past and it was NOT user friendly at all (why weren't sidewalks installed in the beginning?). It was dangerous with heavy traffic and no place to walk, especially in the winter.  And with the finished trail right near by soon, that situation will only get worse as some will want to visit the businesses there.  So I say, way to go Decorah, to have the foresight to make some necessary changes to a non user friendly (except for CARS) area of town!"

Beth e-mails: "As far as improving the street and business access along Short Street, I don't think anyone disputes that is necessary. What seems to be the biggest problems with this plan is... the businesses did not get the opportunity to have any involvement or discussion with anyone regarding what IS needed.  They NOW get to go to meetings to hear what is already planned and going to happen whether they like it or not-just like what was done on Division Street a few years back and Montgomery a few years before that.  Three car lanes and two sidewalks are NOT necessary and a waste of EVERYONE'S money, you and I included.  And the HUGE chunks of property being taken away from each "owner" is ridiculous-didn't the property owner purchase that property or most of it ( I realize there is usually a small city portion at the front of most properties)?  I shop at several of the businesses in this plan and have had no problem getting in or out the way things are--actually the strip mall parking lot is the most challenging as it is too small the way it is and this plan will only make it smaller. No one is arguing the need for property owners to pay for some of the costs for road improvements BUT there should be a realistic NEED for the improvements and some property owner involvement in the planning."

Diane e-mails: "I do not own a business in Decorah, but I do shop these businesses. And yes, business owners do have to pay for the cost of being in business and keeping  up their property as well as sidewalks and streets updated.  Any property owner faces these things.  But have you checked where the flags are on Short Street?   Some of these businesses and their customers  will barely be able to step out the door without a car whizzing within two feet of them.   I do not think the proposed Short Street project is  the best answer.

Think about how that area has changed in the last 10 years......remember Ole's Swap Shop, falling down,  rodent attracting,  vine covered, natural beauty.  Now take a look at Latham Furniture, Aspen Alley, and CJ Lensing Motors.  What an attractive entrance to Decorah!  We even get to enjoy some lawn and nice landscaping not just massive concrete.

I drive this road every day ---sometimes many times.  The real problem could be easily fixed without destroying the attractiveness of the area.   Approving the permit for the strip mall where Maurice's, Subway, & Digital Dog Pound are was the first mistake folks,  but now that it is there.......here's your fix:  Take out the front driveway that enters this strip mall (towards Latham's) and have all traffic enter from the east side as in on a frontage road onto the present front area.  This is the biggest bottleneck on this road.  A second step would to rethink the entrances to Kwik Star.  The south entrance needs to be moved further north so it is not where everyone is accelerating around the corner onto Short Street and away from the yield to turning traffic.

Do we really want wall to wall concrete like it would be if they go as the present plan shows?  A turning lane will do no good as there is no way to make a direct turn.....you will sit in the middle of the road causing more confusion and waiting to be rear-ended.   Then what happens in a few years when the concrete gets pot holes and looks ugly because you have patched it with blacktop or gravel?
 
As far as bikers,  this really is not a good area to be biking.  Take another route, turn on Division Street and ride through Centrum Mall area to access Highway 9.  There is a trail to take as well.  I know many of you follow the law but many more of you do not.  I have seen you go through red lights more times than I can count on both hands.  I have seen you not stop at all when all traffic is backed up at a red light and not signal any of your intentions.
 
One more final point,  it seems like a conflict of interest for the City Engineer to get to draw up these plans and also to be one of the people who will gain the most income from the whole project.  Just sayin'!