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For Immediate Release
September 22, 2008
Time for San Antonio to take Dead Aim
at the Status Quo of its Sidewalks
In the ten years I have served on the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), I have struggled with the challenge of devising a comprehensive and equitable approach to providing decent walkways in our community. Since the MPO is the great if not the exclusive authority giving direction to our community's transportation system, it is the forum within which this discussion must take place. The day for sidewalks to have a greater priority at the policy level of this community can wait no longer!
So today I am proposing a systematic approach for what has heretofore been largely a patchwork quilt! Some sidewalks are nonexistent, some we almost would wish to be nonexistent because of their wretched condition and others need widening or other enhancements. Many deficient sidewalks are left without champions or a well-understood system for placement or repair and continue to languish as a result.
As Chairman of the Pedestrian Mobility Advisory Committee (PMAC), I recommend that the MPO acting through the PMAC and ultimately the Policy Board, develop and maintain a "master sidewalk list". It should be online for the public to view and give comments. The MPO's walkable communities program along with other entities should provide priorities for sidewalks. Also the MPO should consider adopting a "complete street policy".
The journey of a thousand miles begins with but a single step. Let us begin today, together!
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