Our Metropolitan Planning Organization started a survey for preferences in scoring, ranking, and ultimately choosing projects to fund in the next 2027-2032 cycle, in which about $28 million is expected to be available.
Safety and Climate head the list |
The survey design is a bit dodgy. At the top of the list are high level values like "climate" and "safety." But the next item is "reduces a gap," much more specific. The level of generality is not at all consistent.
They also jam together disparate elements. Safety and security have different connotations. The problem of greenhouse gas is acute and chronic right now in a way the problem of carbon monoxide is not. It wasn't necessary to mention carbon monoxide unless you deliberately wanted a path to old-school congestion relief.
Some of the categories overlap. Reducing gaps also increases access. Improving transit also reduces greenhouse gas.
And the very great problem of speed is not mentioned.
With the way the survey is constructed, it may not be possible to give the MPO clear signals about what to prioritize.
Still, take the survey and reply more fully in the free response box towards the end. Safety and climate deserve more attention!
An Old Oak
The Oak at High and Oak Streets on Gaiety Hill |
Salem Reporter has a lovely story about the prospect of cutting down the old Oak at the intersection of Oak and High at the crest of Gaiety Hill, right by the Smith-Fry house of 1859.