Opposition

One goal of Shade Parade is to create a forum for discussion around walkability in Nashville. 

In so doing, I have spent a lot of time and effort educating myself on sidewalks and have viewed the subject from a variety of angles (please refer to this blog, start date 11/2013, with hundreds of posts)

Right now, I am highly focused on what it takes to get a sidewalk on a major connector street (Bowling Av) that already has a portion of its sidewalk completed.  Just trying to finish an already started job.  A very good neighbor & I have written letters to each property owner on Bowling, held a public meeting, met with councilmembers, talked to neighbors, polled our whole neighborhood, discussed it with the mayor.  We have been at it for over 1.5 years.

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I am much less inclined to push for a sidewalk on quiet residential side streets.  But those tree lines quiet streets are not off my radar.  In the meantime, I advocate for residential side streets to have a reduction in the speed limit to 20-25 mph for the comfort and safety of those walking them.  

The prettiest walks, were many people already choose to get out on foot, could be rezoned as Walking Districts with 20 mph speed limits.  The notion of Walking Districts in select neighborhoods could be a great 'brand' and a real draw for both tourists and citizens alike. 

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I want to hear your thoughts whether they coincide with mine or not.  Along these same lines, I am really quite pleased to hear what exactly someone would take offense to when it comes to putting in sidewalks.  Recently, I encountered some opposition to sidewalks (read below) from a neighbor… 

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'The Other Side of The Issue:

I am among others who strongly disagree with asking for sidewalks on Bowling Avenue.  From Whitland to Lynbrook to Golf Club, Forest Park and the rest, there are many quiet, safe areas for walks or exercise.  Our neighborhoods are green, tranquil and well-preserved.  They do not need to be "urbanized".  People who want sidewalks can go live in a high rise downtown or in the commercial area of Green Hills where sidewalks prevail of necessity.  We treasure our lush lawns and tall trees and are fighting to preserve the ambiance we enjoy here.  The few people who want sidewalks are newcomers who also think that sandwich boards and tacky signs on the lawn are acceptable (they are not!).  We who appreciate the beauty and rarity of our neighborhoods do not wish for the crushing urbanization that Nashville is in danger of.  The last thing we need is more of an infestation of concrete!

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Do you agree?  I very much encourage you to form your own opinion.  I love this email as it shows real passion and can help clarify what the opposition may be.

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