Dear Editor,

I read with great concern about the recent recommendations by the Transportation Plan. Some mention has been made about some ideas drawing the ire of citizenry. The mayor and the (previous) BOT have received emails from me, expressing my ire concerning speed cameras and paid parking. You can add the redesign of the traffic circle to those.

I lived on First Street 1992-2005, and some readers may recall seeing me run (jog) or walk (hike) along the highway to the dam and back. I continue to do so now, only north of town, during mud season. I occasionally had difficulty with unfriendly, unleashed dogs, but NEVER really have felt threatened by speeding traffic, likewise as a motorist.

I also will venture into town and usually do not have a problem with parking. I have been driving through the traffic circle, and also have no problem. I just pay attention, use defensive driving skills learned in driver education, and it all goes smoothly. I spot occasional drivers slow down, make eye contact and there is no problem; more often I adjust to other drivers who mistake the circleasa5waystop.Perhapstheyare distracted by electronic devices, tested the cannabis before getting home or are driving-challenged. But I do not believe that it is the design of the traffic circle at fault.

Speed cameras, parking software and especially an enlargement of the traffic circle are all expensive. I can think of better uses of public funds, how about fire hydrant and sewer line upgrades, police and fire protection, and keeping Town staff salaries competitive. Both the acquisition of and the enforcement of both will cost a lot, probably more than revenue received.

I consider using speed traps and/or parking fees to raise funds, a Sheriff of Nottingham approach. Wikipedia characterizes this Sheriff as “the main antagonist in...Robin Hood..as an unjust tyrant...subjecting (the local people) to unaffordable taxes.” Taxing the poor to pay for the greedy parking/ speed trap software. If I were a tourist passing through, speed traps and pay to park would just motivate me on to more welcoming venues, like Rollinsviile or Ward.

To me the three above suggestions are solutions in search of an elusive problem, an attempt to fix what is really not broken. Traffic should be allowed to move smoothly, it does not need any more impediments, the sheer volume of traffic slows it down quite a bit already.

There remain some good recommendations, there should be at least 1, preferably 2 more vehicle bridges across Middle Boulder Creek, and then other pedestrian and/or bicycle crossings as well. Widen the exit from the shopping center back onto CO119 to allow both separate right and left turns.

With much talk of change and growth in Nederland, there are calls to keep the charm and character of a small town. Those who want speed cameras or pay to park might prefer to go to Boulder and feel more at home there. Thank you for reading.

Mark Moll

Nederland