This
email has been posted with the permission of the author.
From:
Cesar Palacio
To: Ed Drass - Metro News
Sent: Sat, 25 Oct 2003
Subject: Clarification re: recent article
Mr. Drass,
I am writing in response to your article in the Metro News on
Wednesday October 15th, 2003 "St. Clair streetcar lanes divides
candidates", just to clarify for the record my position on this
issue.
In the article, I was clearly categorized as being on the "yes"
side. This is a complex issue and I believe it premature and irresponsible
to take a definitive "yes" or "no" position before any traffic
studies have been done or the environmental assessment, or other
significant, necessary community consultation is completed. Although
I wholeheartedly support public transit in general, the proposals
being discussed for
St. Clair West have not yet sufficiently addressed a number of
very serious community concerns including, but not limited to:
a) Restrictions on left turn accessibility to local streets north
and south of St. Clair.
b) The need for comprehensive local traffic studies to ensure
that local "traffic mazes" and one-way streets wont be further
complicated
c) Parking congestion issues including maintaining the volume
and quality of parking on St. Clair
d) Potential bottle-neck effects at various locations including
underpasses and major intersections (Caledonia, Keele and Old
Weston Road for example)
e) Pedestrian safety at non-signalized intersections where U-turns
may be allowed, among other concerns
Let there be no mistake made on this point: I will only support
whatever option the local community wants. A series of well-advertised
public meetings across the Ward, well beyond the Environmental
Assessment meetings already planned, are clearly necessary as
there seems to be a great deal of confusion, hard-feelings and
misinformation regarding this issue. The community's concerns
must absolutely be addressed before a shovel goes in the ground
on this or any other proposal for change, as I have already stated
in my e-mail to you.
Sincerely,
Cesar Palacio
Candidate for City Councillor
Ward 17 - Davenport
Editor's
note : The facts and opinions expressed in the above email 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
