OK, So I'm Not Perfect - Yet!

I SAID...
Over the weekend I posted an entry about the Costa Mesa City Council meeting coming up later this evening (6:00 p.m. in council chambers), in which I opined that one item on the Consent Calendar agenda might be a mistake.  That item dealt with the possible traffic "calming" measures being proposed for East 19th Street - over here in my neck of the woods, and I suggested that a similar project on Broadway had been a mistake.

UH-OH!
Well, those comments opened the floodgates!  I heard from several of my fellow Eastsiders on this subject, all taking exception to my characterization of the Broadway project.  Not a single person wrote to me to agree with my assessment of the work done to slow traffic on Broadway - that in addition to slowing the traffic, it made it more dangerous to drive down that street... not one!

CIVIL DISCOURSE
So, let me share with you some of the opinions my neighbors so thoughtfully gave to me.  The battering began early yesterday and continued on into the early hours today.  I tease about being "battered" - every one of the notes sent to me were clear, courteous and firm in their views.  No name-calling.  No epithets.  Just helpful ideas and views presented by thoughtful people.

QUIET AND SAFE
All of the comments had a couple common threads.  First, Broadway is now MUCH quieter, which they attributed to reduced traffic levels and the rubberized pavement used.  Second, they all felt Broadway was now a much safer street on which to drive, bike and walk.  Those were the goals of that project and my neighbors apparently feel that mission was accomplished.

MORE PRIDE
Most were happy about how the modifications looked, citing the beautiful trees in the planters down the center of the roadway with much pride.

TICKING OFF THE REASONS...
One person who has lived on the Eastside for more than 3 decades provided this clear, concise description of the improvements on Broadway:

• With the new sidewalks it's much more pedestrian friendly.

You will notice the elderly, new Moms and people after work out walking on our safe, level sidewalks. 

• Less traffic. A dramatic decline in the volume of traffic.

• Lowered speed. Cars have slowed down due to the street narrowing, additional stop signs and planters they now have to negotiate.

• Less noise and vibration. Because of the combination asphalt/tire rubber surface the vibration and noise has been cut in half.

• More attractive street. With the new street surface, planted green belt, and planted medians, we will soon have a tree lined street.

Keep in mind these measures were all taken from federal traffic mediation guidelines that have been proven to reduce speed, volume, noise and vibration. I hope the residents will give the project a year for people to adapt to driving the street, and for the plants to grow in.

PEACEFUL NOW

 Another resident, who lives on one of the busiest corners along Broadway for nearly 40 years, spoke of the accidents that happened over that time, which she attributed to speeding, drinking and simple loss of control of the cars.  She, too, praised the project because it brought relative peace and quiet to her home.

 PROTECTING FROM CUT-THROUGH TRAFFIC

 Another writer, who lives on East 19th Street and has much contact with our Eastside neighbors through his business, expressed a view that many long-term residents are upset because so much has changed and navigating around the Eastside is so different now.  However, he agreed that the Broadway project improved the livability of that street.  While he's looking forward to a similar project along East 19th Street, he observed that it should only move forward if it includes protection from any diversion of traffic that might flow and have a noticeable affect on the quiet adjacent streets of Flower and Magnolia.  That, of course, is certainly something to consider.  Traffic is much like water - if you place a dam in one spot it will eventually find another route.

A LITTLE SLOWER...

Another writer acknowledged the new requirements to make your way down Broadway.  It requires a more attentive driver, willing to take a little longer to make that journey safely.  She acknowledged some folk's observations that, in her words, "it is an impossible street on which to drive - not enough room, having to swerve to miss the medians."  She admits that it causes her to drive a little slower - again, the goal.  She also was very pleased with the trees in the medians, and looked forward to the street as they mature.

LOOKING FORWARD TO MORE PROGRESS

So, neighbors, a lot of folks over here are very happy with the Broadway project and hope the proposed plan for East 19th Street proves to be as successful.  I do appreciate the time they took to share  their views in such a civil manner.

TIME WILL TELL 

I'm still concerned about where the traffic will go if it is made to crawl along 19th Street.  Certainly, Flower and Magnolia will see more traffic, as will the entire length of East 20th Street from Irvine Avenue to Newport Boulevard.  Time will tell.