The Miccosukee Greenway suggestion strikes a nerve

Oh brother, occasionally Street Scene writes about a subject that strikes a nerve. Our column about lifting the Tallahassee-Leon County Greenway over intersecting roads is one.

Street Scene is in place to give all citizens a voice to be heard above the ballyhooing of those in government claiming to know what’s best for the people they serve. To invite a public hearing only to shun what the public has to say brings disillusionment in the process and general discontent of the people represented.

I am humbled so many ask me to speak to your groups addressing concerned citizens. However, because I have so many such requests, the constraints of time prevent me from speaking in person.

My advice to those asking what now with the Greenway projects I say this: Have the courage of your convictions. Even if you think “they” don’t want you involved or don’t care about the things you care about, write to federal, state and local representatives stating your case.

Keep in mind 90+ percent of large local civic improvement projects include some funding by state and or federal tax dollars. Get everyone involved in a serious letter writing campaign. Neighbors and friends next door, across the street and across town.

Capital Circle scramble

Q Mandi outlines issues on Capital Circle SW at Commonwealth Boulevard involving an unsafe scramble of vehicles coming off the two right turn lanes from westbound Commonwealth onto northbound Capital Circle trying to access the I-10 eastbound on ramp. A similar scramble occurs for the east to north traffic trying to get on I-10 eastbound.

A. Mandi the truth of the matter is this: it is impossible to use traffic signals, signs, and pavement markings to regulate driver courtesy. Until we remember what we learned in our kindergarten recess line – be courteous, don’t push and shove we will have difficulty driving cars.

Traffic noise? Try trees

Q Michael lives in the vicinity of I-10, close enough to have pervasive traffic noise negatively impacting the quality of life for himself, his family and his neighbors as traffic volumes have significantly increased throughout the day and all night long. Michael asks Street Scene for help in getting noise barriers erected where they should have been placed when this section of the Interstate was built.

A. Highway traffic noise is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) has provided several noise pollution studies to the US Department of Transportation reaching the same conclusion.

We know Street Scene reaches top management in all levels of government so today we respectfully address Florida USDOT/ FHWA Division Administrator, Jamie Christian. Please investigate a solution for the growing legitimate concern residents have of ill health due to the never ceasing traffic noise. In this particular matter people residing along the northern boundary of Interstate 10 beginning at the North Meridian Road overpass and running westerly to approximately mile marker 200.5 or to a point 1/10th of a mile west of Folsom Road. Thank you.

Requests for a noise abatement wall such as Michael falls under 23 CFR 772 entitled Procedure for Abatement of Highway Traffic Noise and Construction Noise.

Although I don’t know of such minimal right of way on rural sections of Interstates I must bring a caveat into this conversation which is revealed in other areas of the country where people are having to relinquish an easement of their property to allow maintenance crews access to both sides of a noise barrier wall.

I see trees as the best solution. There are trees that grow to a height and girth that act as a suitable noise barrier. Leyland Cypress is one, Eastern Red Cedar is another.

More ideas on the Greenway

Q Gordon has been a regular user of the Miccosukee Greenway for the past several years with a group of tai chi practitioners that meet there three times a week. Gordon also reads Street Scene in the Tallahassee Democrat and wants everyone to know he totally agrees with separating pedestrians from traffic with the use of elevated trails and “flyover” bridges.

Gaining firsthand knowledge while living in Portland, Oregon, paying attention to the government making productive dedicated efforts to separate bicycles and pedestrians from traffic using bridges. The outcome was lower bicycle and pedestrian fatalities, a high priority in Portland.

I like your proposals for the safety of those using the Greenway and feel the City and Leon County should take serious note. Also, I’ve been driving Miccosukee Road for three years and I don’t like the idea of ​​proposed 10 foot lanes.

A. Thank you Gordon and I want everyone to know how much Street Scene appreciates readers coming forward with so many thank-you letters and standing in solidarity taking exception to Leon County Commissioners chopping up the Greenway trails with heavily traveled roads. We recognize Gordon for his strong belief in this public safety calamity-in-the-making as he copied his letter to our County Administrator, commissioners, and staff.

Update on red flashing light

On April 29, 2024, FSU sophomore Elizabeth Sims was struck and killed while crossing the street. Street Scene has learned Central Florida Legislator Randy Fine has filed legislation for placement of Red Lens in the Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon. The RRFB is an excellent pedestrian safety device at intersection crossings, however the safety device, as of now, incorporates yellow caution signals. Street Scene is glad to know Florida Representative Fine has joined us in creating safer pedestrian crossings by advocating for red flashing beacons.

Philip Stuart is a retired Florida State Trooper, Traffic Operations Projects Engineer and Forensics Expert Witness. Write to [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Miccosukee Greenway proposal strikes a nerve | Street Scene