McLaren: Road projects modify infrastructure for benefit of all
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By Alex McLaren, Scottsdale resident | Guest Commentary
On April 18 the Scottsdale City Council considered the possibility of putting the issue of “road diets” on the ballot for the 2024 election. Thankfully, in my opinion, the majority of the council did not approve of this option.
The voters approved the city’s general plan in 2021. The general plan includes a circulation element which sets out the vision for transportation in the city. The city council approved the Transportation Action Plan in April 2022. The TAP sets out the broad details of how to manage our transportation system. This plan went through an extensive outreach program of citizen input. There were nine separate hearings by the Transportation Commission on the plan.
One of the key elements of the plan is to preserve and improve the infrastructure that already exists. The plan includes renovating infrastructure to meet acceptable safety and comfort standards. It was this basis that informed the decisions to alter certain streets that are over capacity with regard to the traffic volumes but do not provide adequate bicycle or pedestrian capacity.
This is what has come to be known as “road diets” because excess car travel lanes are removed to provide room for bicyclists and pedestrians. This solution is only proposed when the safety and continued functioning of the roadway is maintained.
We live in a representative democratic system. We elect city council members who make policy decisions for the community. The city employs professional staff who carry out the policies and procedures that make a functioning community. All city staff use best professional practices in the discharge of their duties.
There are occasions when taking a divisive issue directly to the voters makes sense. The issue of road diets, in my opinion is decidedly not one of them. The council has the authority over all the decisions that need to be made with regard to our transportation system.
Some of the current council members seem to be bent on blowing this issue out of all proportion. Some appear to deliberately inflame the issue. Each project needs to be examined on an individual basis. What may be appropriate in one area of the city may not be so in another.
The 68th and Thomas Road projects are perfect examples of how to modify our existing infrastructure to the maximum benefit of all users.
