El Paso and Southwestern Greenway Crossing

February 13, 2013

To: Tom Fisher, Downtown Links Project Manager
CC: Ann Chanecka, Jesse Soto, Ian Johnson

Re: El Paso and Southwestern Greenway Crossing

Dear Mr. Fisher,

On Monday, November 19, 2012, the Dunbar Spring Neighborhood Association voted unanimously to request a change to the planned bicycle and pedestrian crossing signal on St. Mary’s Road for the El Paso and Southwestern Greenway. Many residents of Dunbar Spring walk and use bicycles for transportation, and we believe that the planned location of this signal raises some concerns. Specifically, we were informed that the required minimum distance from the intersection of St. Mary’s Road and Westbound Interstate 10 was 300 feet, but the bike/ped signal is planned to be installed 350 feet east of it, creating a detour in the Greenway’s path. Because we are concerned about mobility, we would like to encourage use of the path by making it easier and more logical to use, and we would like to improve safety by having it in a place where people are likely to actually use it rather than taking a shortcut. Therefore we request that the signal be moved from 350 feet from the intersection to the minimum distance of 300 feet. We believe that a more direct path will help promote mobility and is most consistent with the city’s commitment to meaningful bicycle and pedestrian improvements.

Sincerely, Harrison Smith Secretary, Dunbar Spring Neighborhood Association