Sandfly-Isle of Hope

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Echoing the letter to the editor a week ago, today’s SMN printed an article where the opponents of connectivity take center stage.  Unfortunately, the article did not include the overwhelming support in Sandfly for making safe bicycle and pedestrian access as they have previously indicated in master planning efforts, nor did it include the many Isle of Hopians who support the idea.

Central Avenue crossingCentral Avenue:  The bridge from the old Isle of Hope trolley is missing, but the rest of the causeway is intact.

Our organization, while enthusiastic about bikable and walkable communities, certainly has no interest in forcing infrastructure projects on communities who are not interested in them.  We will continue to assist Sandfly and Isle of Hope in discussing options.  We will continue to support planning efforts that include significant bicycle and pedestrian improvements everywhere in Chatham County.

2 Comments

  1. UPDATE 8/21/08: Thank you to the SMN editorial board for today’s supportive column.

    BIKE PATHS are a low-impact way for a city to improve quality of life. Increased transportation options mean fewer cars on the road, and viable routes for pedal-powered vehicles encourage exercise and good health.

    Taking the long view, it makes sense to link the Isle of Hope with the rest of the community via two bike and walking paths.

    Just to clarify, though, we don’t see the necessity of two separate paths as they have suggested. Given the distances involved, one route on and off should be enough. Local residents should consider all options, though — Central, Skidaway and Laroche.

  2. Another letter in support from yesterday’s SMN:

    This proposal would not encroach on anyone’s personal property; it could be paid for entirely with federal Safe Routes to School funds; it would not “ruin the peace and quiet of the island” (as one resident was quoted in your article implied); and it would provide a safe way for walkers and bicycle riders to get on and off the island.

    What rankles me is not having safe access to and from Isle of Hope.

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