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Freeway
opponents need viable alternative to no-build option
Ahwatukee Foothills News We're an Ahwatukee family hoping we don't spend
another 20 years debating ourselves into disaster. Some vocals are caught up in
the "not-in-my-back-yard" syndrome, and the no-build option. Can they
voice a viable alternative for relieving the current and future traffic gridlock
facing Ahwatukee? Consider the implications of procrastination: 1. What would happen in the world's largest cul-de-sac
if residents needed to exit in the wake of a disaster the magnitude of Three
Mile Island, Chernobyl or 911? 2. What if a major catastrophe struck in the heart of
Ahwatukee? Would first responders be able to get in? Would the casualties be
able to be evacuated? 3. What about navigating additional traffic created by
relocation of Rawhide (Scottsdale's largest tourist attraction) to south of
Ahwatukee? Have you driven up or down 48th Street during rush-hour traffic;
traveled Ray Road anytime of day to get to Interstate 10; or driven I-10 between
Pecos Road and the Broadway curve during normal rush hour traffic? Pray for no
road closures or accidents! 4. Consider gridlock on Chandler Boulevard at 50th
Street from the proposed mega-island of commercial and urban living Parkhouse
50, a complex of six eight-story buildings including 550 condominiums. 5. Consider gridlock on 48th Street when the municipal
center opens at Pecos Park, drawing residents from Ahwatukee and surrounding
cities. Ahwatukee is already a small, growing city. We have
major shopping centers, internal transit system (ALEX) and soon a civic center.
Have you opted to stay home rather than deal with traffic to attend community
functions such as the Festival of Lights along Chandler Boulevard? Have you been
forewarned by your morning traffic reports of road congestion only to find that
you have no choice but to drive right into it? Nero fiddled while Rome burned, and many of us are
dancing around shouting "No 2002 Freeway" while traffic grinds to a
halt. If you don't want this freeway, offer a viable alternative. While our
family lives within one mile of I-10, most of you will be behind us trying to
escape a disaster. We won't have to worry about the last person leaving
Ahwatukee turning out the lights; they won't be able to get out! |