To: Donovan J. Richards, District 31 democrat council member

From: Louis Polson, local resident

Date: September 9, 2020

Subject: Fixing road and pothole issues in the neighborhood

 

The purpose of this memo is to strongly suggest that the district make an objective to repair and level damaged roads within the neighborhood of Laurelton. This will lead to less car accidents and safer driving conditions for all residents and car-owners.

Summary

Time and time again, I find myself having to drive more cautiously than I usually need to, due to some unfinished or broken parts of the streets I travel on. I refuse to let my vehicle take any unnecessary harm. Therefore, I propose that the district designate a team of dedicated road workers to reconstruct and improve the main roads that need the most maintenance. I would like to speak with you about this proposal when most convenient for you.

 

Discussion

Some people may call the restoration of the main roads difficult, time consuming, and an inconvenience to hundreds of drivers. However, providing maintenance to a specific list of commonly used roads, such as the North and South Conduit Blvds, Springfield Blvd, Farmers Blvd, and Merrick Blvd will result in smoother driving, especially for buses, trucks, and vans. In addition, there will definitely be a decrease in accidents, and possibly traffic, since the drivers will not have to worry about dodging hazards on the road like bumpy edges, potholes, or eroded surfaces. I recall having to avoid a very deep hole in the middle of the road while traveling on Merrick Blvd so that I wouldn’t have to worry about doing damage to my tires. I also had to be careful of the way I maneuvered my vehicle in and out of my lane so that I would not accidentally drive into another vehicle that was either next to, or in front of me. The road working team should be enlightened about these plans, in order to make the necessary preparations for this project. The city should also have a budget or estimated cost for the reparations, as well as a deadline time to have the work completed.

 

I believe that it is also smart to have these specific roads regulated and kept in good condition, particularly every 3-4 years. That way, drivers won’t have to frequently find detours to get to their destinations. They will be able to freely drive their normal routes, and reduce the amount of accidents that occur. To offset some of the funds, I would suggest that we ask the government for funding, in order to gain enough money to help pay for this project. If you are on board with this repairing process, then we will begin to make plans to present this project to the Mayor to persuade him and seek his approval. Once we are clear, you can give word to the construction team in Laurelton on what is to be done.

 

A road maintenance plan will be highly beneficial for our neighborhood area. Drivers will be able to travel with minimal road issues, and avoid putting their vehicles or themselves at risk of injury, or possible death. This may also encourage other drivers who are not from our neighborhood to travel here as well, depending on the route they need to take to get to their end point. They will most likely gravitate towards a safer route over a route that is quick but dangerous. Finally, this plan could potentially minimize the cost of devastating accidents that can cost the city more in the long run, including emergency costs and deploying first response teams.

 

 

Recommendation

I am happy and thankful for your review of this proposal and would like to further communicate with you about this vision when you are available. We can also invite other resident drivers to participate in this discussion and provide their personal complaints, as well as their suggestions on the plans that we are striving to accomplish for the community. You can email me at [email protected] to arrange a formal meeting, and I will get in contact with the other participants.