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Opinion: Wrong about roundabout in downtown, says Potsdam resident

Posted 5/23/18

To the Editor: When I first heard of the proposed plan to build a roundabout downtown, I must admit I reacted with a mix of amusement and horror. On further reflection, I am not so amused! …

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Opinion: Wrong about roundabout in downtown, says Potsdam resident

Posted

To the Editor:

When I first heard of the proposed plan to build a roundabout downtown, I must admit I reacted with a mix of amusement and horror.

On further reflection, I am not so amused! Twenty-five percent of our college population is new to the area: Excited students and their distracted parents. I cannot begin to imagine their negotiations through our roundabout.

Certainly, local body shops must support this idea, for they will be the primary beneficiaries. The bypass was designed to minimize truck traffic downtown: Why would we wish to encourage more vehicular activity?

The Market/Main Street intersection is not perfect, but it works well enough. Why fix it if it ain't broke? If beautification of our small downtown is our object, pouring additional asphalt, bringing in more traffic, and impeding pedestrian activity does not seem to fit the bill. Roundabouts work well where several major roads intersect. This is not the case here.

I propose we spend that portion of the grant money on true beautification projects: historic streetlights (the ones on the new bridge are lovely), attractive garbage cans rather than the eyesores we presently have, and perhaps a facelift on a storefront (bar front – you know who I mean!).

Saranac Lake has charming murals painted on various walls in the village – why not Potsdam? We have tons of local talent and several unkempt well-traveled alleyways. Trees have been removed and not replaced. Nothing beautifies like foliage. The planters next to the Alchemistress were designed as flower beds, yet they have laid fallow for years.

If we do indeed procure this money for revitalization and beautification, I hope we can spend it wisely and creatively.

Jan Rutella

Potsdam