This
email has been posted with the permission of the author.
Friday
September 26, 2003
To: David Shanoff and Dick Watts (Regal Heights Residents Association):
Dear Sirs:
Last Friday (September 19) my wife arrived at the intersection
of Winona and Benson to find it in chaos. A car and van had collided
in the centre of the intersection; cars were wildly driving around
the accident in the rain; students and parents heading for the
McMurrich school were dodging these frustrated drivers; and the
crossing guard was furious because all the drivers were ignoring
her attempts to bring order.
Last May that very same crossing guard and I had a conversation
that was oddly prophetic. She told me that she'd been the crossing
guard there for sixteen years and that since "that stupid Oakwood"
went through there was such an increase in traffic up Winona that
she could "barely handle it all". She was referring to the redesign
of Oakwood in 2001 to slow drivers down with obstructing bus stops
and narrower lanes (lanes so narrow that when pushing a baby carriage
I often have to dodge cyclists on the sidewalk who simply CANNOT
physically share the traffic lane with a bus or an SUV).
The crossing guard also told me that if the TTC plan to reserve
two lanes of St. Clair for the street car goes through the traffic
at her intersection will become "impossible". The collision last
Friday morning clearly demonstrates that it is nearly impossible
already. Children going to an elementary school are at risk every
morning because of the TTC's and city council's pro-congestion
model for traffic.
I strongly urge the Regal Heights Residence Association to abandon
their so-called "Neutral" stance and openly oppose this pollution-generating
plan to reserve two lanes of St. Clair for the street car. This
is too big an issue on which to remain "Neutral".
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Michael A. McPherson
Editor's
note : The facts and opinions expressed in the above article are
those of the author and do not represent the views of MyStClair.com.
Our interest remains to act as a conduit for information regarding
matters relating to neighbourhoods along St Clair Ave W and the
Ridge. Anyone wishing to comment is encouraged to do so.
editor@mystclair.com
