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Letter: Clarification needed

Posted on February 26, 2009 by Staff

I read with astonishment the response by the Carrboro Planning Board’s James Carnahan to Alderman Dan Coleman’s remarks regarding the Colleton Crossing issue. Accordingly, I am addressing my response to Mr. Carnahan for some clarification.

Dear Mr. Carnahan: I am confused by your remarks regarding the Carrboro’s Connector Roads Policy regarding the Colleton Crossing issue. On one hand you agree that “a re-assessment of the Connector Roads Policy will benefit Carrboro,” yet on the other you indicate you “would oppose any effort to water it down.” So let me get his straight: you have determined your opposition to a policy that you support?

But you weren’t done. You determined that this mass connectivity actually realizes “a critical unstated goal.” A critical goal that is unstated? While it is in everyone’s interest for fewer miles to be traveled, it follows that the community’s interest is served by fewer cars clogging our roads. How can the “unstated goal” of reducing vehicle miles traveled be served by substantially increasing traffic?

You indicate the community’s need for common areas. Our community is our common area. We have block parties, children playing in the streets, interactivity among our residents. The absurd notion that hundreds of additional cars passing through our community will enhance the quality of our lives cannot be sensibly supported. But you’re consistent. Regarding the downtown condo project and the fact that Carrboro is the most densely populated town in North Carolina, you responded, “I think it’s great.” In support of that project, their marketing firm’s rep said, “Density is extremely important” to a town like Carrboro. Perhaps they are marketing the Colleton Crossing project also.

You claim to support a walkable transit oriented sustainable community. Is it your proposal that increasing the traffic through our community will enhance our walkability? Is it because there will be so much traffic we would rather walk two miles to the market than drive?

Our lives are enhanced. Our small community is more than adequately served connectivity wise. Your contention that adding hundreds, if not thousands, of car trips daily increases the quality of our lives is hardly a logical contention. Growth is easy when quality of life is not a consideration. It seems sensible that advocating for the “unstated goal” of reducing vehicle miles traveled would be to oppose proposals for more vehicles in what already is the state’s most densely populated town, not support them. In fact, I am more than happy to make this a fully stated goal.

Ken Weiss
Carrboro

1 thought on “Letter: Clarification needed”

  1. steve peck says:
    February 28, 2009 at 1:22 pm

    Agree with some of this. I would ask Mr. Weiss if he would still oppose the Colleton development if the only connection was to be the single access through Fox Meadow via Reynard and Tallyho? It is important to remember Colleton does not border the Highlands and Claymore. The battle being waged is prevent a connector road across the proposed ( not approved ) Carolina Commons development being done by UNC CH.

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