HomeMy WebLinkAboutA002 - Letter dated November 1, 1993 from Steve Padgitt 327 Hickory Drive
Ames, IA 50014
November 1, 1993
Scott Logan,City Engineer
City Hall
Ames, IA
Dear Mr. Logan,
I received your letter informing me of your plan to prohibit parking in front of a portion
of my property at 327 Hickory Drive. I have no real opposition to this as I prefer not having cars
parked in front of my home, even when they are mine or persons visiting me. Actually, until
recently, it was only on rare occasions that vehicles were parked there anyway.
I do have a larger concern. That is, if this is a first step to making Hickory Drive into a
major thoroughfare and an alternative to Lincoln Way as a route to the campus from west Ames,
then I am vehemently and unalterably opposed. Having lived on Hickory Drive for several years
and driven the street daily, I find there is NOT a major traffic hazard with cars parked along the
west side of the street IF THE SPEED LIMIT IS OBSERVED. It is my understanding the recent
accident was as much a result of speeding as it was visibility. Of course, those involved are
going to cite visibility rather than their failure to observe the speed limit.
It is not unusual for cars to travel along Hickory Drive in excess of 40 MPH. At that
speed, visibility and safety do become problems,particularly the safety of small children
walking to and from Edwards School. Removing parking will only encourage greater volume
and higher speeds along Hickory Drive. Regrettably, it appears to me some of the persons who
want to make Hickory Drive a thoroughfare rather than a residential street may have found a
sympathetic ear within the traffic engineer's office. I hope this is not the case.
Also, I fail to see the logic of your request to change the location of my mailbox. After
the change, as now, parking will occur on the north side of my drive. Also, most persons whose
houses are the distance of mine from the street have mail delivered to their doorstep. Anyway,
isn't this a matter for the Ames postmaster and me to resolve?
Finally, when you install the no parking sign, please place it on the north side of the
drive. This would help maintain what modicum of esthetics are left at this address.
Sincerely
., Steve Padgitt
cc: Steve Schainker, Chief Ballantine,
Principal-Edwards School, Hickory Drive Neighbors