This blog is maintained for the sole purpose of allowing the people of Peru and those interested in the cities of the Illinois Valley to express their views.
“It doesn’t take a majority to win, just a tireless minority that will keep starting brush fires in the mind and hearts of their fellow men.” Samuel Adams
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Deal With It, No Furthers Changes Planned
Peru intersection passes first big test
Drivers learn to navigate the new three-way stop last week at Venture Drive and 38th Street in Peru’s shopping district. Police said there were few problems and no backups on 38th Street east to Route 251.
Because the owner of Dairy Queen, Warren Buffett, lives in Omaha Nebraska and could not be contacted before press time. "American Dairy Queen Corporation is a subsidary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc."
Why would the owner of Dairy Queen be interviewed? There were several meetings open to the owner as well as the general public. The manger of Dairy Queen presented a traffic plan which was proven to be inadequate. The final decision should be based on different submitted outlines of traffic control and a cost analysis married to them to determine which is best. If anything is presented which is better than the present it should be implemented, but as any problem presented you have to reach a conclusion and live with it. Personally I feel that this entire area including the mall have paid Peru a vast amount of sales taxes and a entrance and exit similar to Kohls and Walmart should be implemented. I know the cost would be alot but granting The development north 1/2%of 1% of sales taxes until a total of $6,500,000 will be reached is also great. So in so many words the taxpayer paid for that developments entrance and exit.
For those who think this intersection is working and that there are no kinks in the situation I suggest you proceed with caution. It may have helped with the supposed problem ("if" there's was a problem) on 251 but it has created a hazard elsewhere.
I have a greater concern. Why does it seem that our police department apparently lies about things to cover up issues? From the concert to the 38th St intersection to the family area at fourth of July- to who knows what else? Why? People expect some issues, but every answer given always seems to be no problems at all. It is the pattern that is alarming. There always seems to be a cover up of some sort, even in the smallest issue. Does it extend to the News Trib as well? I have seen them slant on some stories, but is it even deeper than that?
11:42. The owner of Dairy Queen should have been interviewed because his business has been impacted the most. He did go to those open meetings and was treated rudely by the mayor. He tried to give sheets with signatures of people who didn't like the change, but the mayor refused to look at them. All the change did was create many problems while fixing one. The thing that helped this intersection work is the fact that Target and the mall opened on Thursday and at different times. If it wasn't for that fact alone, this intersection would have proven more of a problem instead of being considered a success by some.
Radio reported a couple fender benders. Remember, back when Kid Rock concert was performed, no major problems by fans. Several friends of mine that attended this concert said there was alot of smoke in the air. Maybe it was cigarette smoke. Lol. Winder how parents who took their young children to this concert explained this one. I urge anyone to ask 18+ year olds this question. We as taxpayers are only going to hear positive comments from those in charge, not the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Black Friday in any shopping area or towns makes for a nighmare at intersections, it's all the other days of the year that this intersection isn't accommodating for businesses or drivers. A smart person would have the solution to fix this intersection done by the next election in April. We'll see if that's done.
Is the City admitting wrecks that occurred at 251 and the mall was due to the Venture Drive intersection design? So my cousin can file suit against the city for a wreck she was involved in there? I'll have to ask her if she was ticketed because drivers aren't held accountable between 2007 and 2011 at that intersection. the city is responsible because of a faulty design. Lets not hold drivers accountable for not paying attention lets blame it on the design. Stupid! I see more wrecks at Arby's intersection than anywhere. What can the city blame that on?
I noticed everytime i go east to stop sign who ever is coming west stops and waves me through ! Now thats a hazzard to me . If i go they may get rearended or someone may come around them and hit me . I don't go the people behind me lay on their horns . WTF . If it isn't broke then don't fix it city of Peru !!!!!!!!!!!!
12:40 I got a real chuckle out of the "reports" from the KR concert. Two ambulance trips required for "pre existing" conditions. What pre existing condition requires emergency trip? LOL. And there was no question about drug use, it was posted all over the Lagrottos facebook in comments of people who were SUPPORTIVE of the whole concert, and even they were complaining about pot and overly rowdy fans.
The police and mayor seem to go out of their way to try and cover up things, even when they do not have to do it. Who would not expect incidents at a rock concert like that? It's the same at this intersection, there are some accidents already , don't say everything is perfect. Give the citizens some credit.
12:27. You are so so so so correct. Did you attend concert? Or people you know? What did they have to say about it? But wait a second-no problems. I think more of department heads that are honest. Sugar coating it for the publics interest. The public and taxpayers are alot smarter than department heads think. The news tribune mentioned EMERGENCY SAFETY DIASTER AGENCY WAS UP AT INTERSECTION AREA. ?? What organization is that? WHO'S IN CHARGE OF THAT? I saw that ALDERMAN FERRARI IS INVOLVED ON THE CAPTION BELOW ON THIS FORUM. Maybe Mr. Ferrari can comment, since he SHOULD have knowledge. Also how is it determined when esda services are needed? Were problems expected to happen?? And that's why they were there. Saw a picture of a car with agency name on it in paper. ???????????????????
Why weren't people arrested for illegal substance? approx 10k people at concert and no DUI's! Security must have had a buzz. ITS NOTHING BUT LYING. This was flying like saucers within the community about the concert.
Evidently this administration doesn't listen and take a proactive approach for we taxpayers. The only hope is that the new administration come April will have common sense approach and fix issues. And just as importantly be honest, and respectful.
Was the newspaper article a joke? Could I have been dreaming what I read? Or did i just get home from the KR CONCERT AND NEVER EVEN HAD A DROP TO DRINK?
1:43 good point! What were the people involved in those accidents from that time frame charged with? following to close? failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident? texting and driving? blocking an intersection? I'm also curious to know how many never got ticketed due to "poor intersection plan"? I was in Fox Valley over the weekend and their intersections were backed up, in fact we had to sit through 2 green lights before the otherside was clear for us to go through the intersection at Rt. 59 and 34. If people are inpatient and wreck it's their own fault.
"Peru intersection passes first-big test", todays NT Newspaper. I'm assuming that a majority of Peru's Senior Citizens get the newspaper. How perfect for Mayor Harl to get his name in paper for those to read and think what great job he's doing. A PR STUNT. A lot of these seniors don't or are unable to attend council meetings or have access or know how to use computer to become informed of how things are done in the city where they have paid MANY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN TAXES. if they only knew they would be disgusted in my opinion.
2:28 Giving citizens credit will never happen with this administration, because they think we are all stupid and couldn't possibly have any input into what is going on in the city.
Just how successful do these idiotic rulers and lawmakers of Peru think they are when it comes to this intersection? WAL-MART IS GONE FROM THIS INTERSECTION! Just what would it be if WAL-MART was still in the same area? What a bunch of pretend-to-be bigshots!!!
2:52 Making arrests at a rock concert is a tricky business. The truth is the very act of having it is condoning illegal drug usage, because many would not come if there were pat downs and arrests made. There is also the problem of riot and large crowd control. The security and police must make a judgement whether to risk starting a riot. I believe there were approximately half the recommended number of police staffing based on potential crowd size, so I do not think they were in the mood to start making an anti drug stand. From what eye witness reports said, a majority of the effort was on keeping the tailgating down. To be fair, tailgating is a major source of past rock concert safety issues worldwide, but it also cannot be ignored that they wanted the drinking to occur inside where the profit could be maximized.
Before everyone reaches the point of complete irresponsibility and insanity they should consider that the driver of a automobile has to accept the obligation of safety of their automobile. If safety has been increased at 38th & Venture Drive by 60% and some business as a result have decreased in volume by a small amount until those business' come up with a better plan and present it it appears that they are going to have to live with what they got. In time it is a proven fact that their busineess will be back to what it had been.
Doesn't Mayor Harl appoint the police chief? And the Fire Chief. Why and how did this come to be? Prior to Mayor Harl under my understanding these WEREN'T APPOINTED POSITIONS. How did he become able to get this passed through the council??? What other appointments has Harl made and is ablle to make?
From all the dissatisfaction expressed why is their only one candidate running against the incumbent Mayor? Isn't anyone interested In the government of Peru besides a few? I've been told that the previous Mayor was in office for forty four consecutive years and in many elections faced no opposition but it has to be remembered that Peru had many wonderful and progressive times in those past years which they are no longer experiencing.
You don't need pat downs at door, all you need is a nose and eyeballs! Oh, let's not forget it was said that these concerts are family events. This is another reason not to allow concerts if Peru and it's concert promoter can't control bad behavior. Fact being, no problems at concert similar to no problems at intersection. It all come to what they want the public to hear and believe. There is this thing called camera cell phones, everythings up for viewing. Pictures are worth a thousand words.
5:51 Where did you go to business / traffic engineering school? It is a proven fact that their business will be back? The intersection is 60 per cent safer?
Who has proven this business theory of yours? The businesses have solid data that customers have been lost. From that point you will NEVER be able to tell what any future sales increase SHOULD or COULD be. You are the type of idiot that will say, "see you did as much this month as same month last year so it all came back"
And what is your safety measurement? Are you comparing the extended traffic data Harl referenced and comparing it to a few months sample size?
Take the EYEBALL test. Speed through intersection, visibility angles, near misses. Maybe, just maybe, safety on 251 will be improved but I stand by this, that new intersection may have higher throughput but IT IS NOT SAFER than a 4 way stop, period. And I would gladly wager 9 out of 10 impartial traffic engineers would agree. Higher throughput yes, safer no.
Lois - This "Blob" continues to sink deeper and deeper into obscurity because of the total lack of credible or constructive comments. 99% of the participation here consists of nothing but blather about "nothing". Endless complaints and insults directed at elected officials. Nothing constructive! Nothing of benefit! Nothing but a forum of bitchers and complainers. You people must be so miserable with your own existense that your only release is to lash out out at others. Most of you really should consider some type emotional evaluation. I'm serious. Get some help!
Just talked to a woman from Spring Valley who works in La Salle and she told of being ticketed for $110 at the 'intersection'. I think first-timers should be given a warning. I'm afraid this is turning into a revenue enhancer and could produce a sour attitude toward Peru. My biggest gripe is about the timing of the sensors at the intersection. When is the last time the state has surveyed the traffic and reset the timers? Nothing irritates me more than sitting at a red light with no cross traffic. If the turn arrows should be on longer...DO IT. At least make an effort to improve the traffic flow.
Maybe if the Peru leaders would stop doing stupid things, we all could stop complaining! I saw in the paper last night that LaSalle is having a big Christmas Day with lots of events. Why isn't Peru doing something like that? Peru's city hall isn't even decorated!
If the elected officials would do what they were elected to do the amount of complaints would either stop all together or at least slow down. And besides once you are an elected official you better have some thick skin because you are fair game. You are in charge of taxpayer's money and are also being paid for each and every meeting that you attend. So until the system changes that is the price you pay. Mayor Harl says deal with the intersection ,elected officials need to deal with criticism.
11:17- My opinion is you are a blog hater and would have been against the idea of VIDEOTAPPING of council meetings if you had a say so. Who in there right mind is going to blog something if they weren't about to back it up? If you're disgruntled about this blog town forum in which your opinion thinks is negativity most of them time. My tip to you is to join the concerned taxpayers / bloggers about how the city is operated. Positive recognition blogs for the city are more than welcomed and accepted for posting and discussing. Nice Christmas decorations downtown Peru! And I'm looking forward to the Christmas Parade.
I'd feel a lot better if everyone who used this blog signed by name instead of by anonymous . But that would be like HARL saying you can't speak with out filling out a index card before you go to the speak ! Its your right and i as a PERU tax payer understand that . Its the MAYOR and COUNCILS job to lie to you so you think everything is hunky dory . Their in it for the few not the people in Peru . We only need one good person to run for new mayor and i think Mike is him !
11:17 Once more, the wonderfully detailed argument is presented. You say, you are all whiners, you have no facts, you complain about trivia.
I respond, the only FACTS ever presented seem to argue against the blog haters like you.
Take a deep breath and actually refute something, using a fact that is not something that requires us to foia and disprove you, like always.
My favorite type of post like yours came long ago when someone said everything that Kristy was saying about he concert was false. Then they said, "don't ask me how I know this but I do". Kristy then openly gave all the proof that anyone could verify, followed by deafening silence from the original blogger.
Cmon, if everything is just false bitchin and composing, why not send some spin master from the city to write a few rebuttals. They are not hard to do. Unless you have to always lie and cover up.
I think that was a joke about decorations for blogger 3:50 to determine for themselves if it were a positive or a negative blog. DOES ANYBODY KNOW IF THE CITY IS HAVING A CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR CITY EMPLOYEES? If so, where? How's it being paid for? OOPS, maybe there is no Christmas Party and the city Is planning on using the monies that would have been spent on new updated decorations. If party is planned can all the taxpaying bloggers come? I need to pencil party on my calendar. Fun Fun For All!
11:17 I and many others are with you. Nothing constructive happens here and we are going to use "Kristy" as our reliable source? Seriously.
I could criticize decisions all day, but I choose to get involved where I can and hold public officials accountable at the election box. This is nothing more than entertainment and white noise.
I do not always agree with my elected officials, but 99 percent of the anonymous whiners couldn't handle 5 minutes in public office. I think they did the best they could with the intersection decision and it looks like people have adjusted pretty well.
Let's drop pickle ball and Kid Rock and the intersection and move on to things that matter.
Sorry to tell you that those things do matter because it tells us about the lack of credibility coming from our elected officials. Some of them would like all this swept under the rug. There is still more to come out about the concert promoters but I am not at liberty to divulge it at present. It may explain why the city was so willing to "give" thousands of dollars. The intersection is only done as far as this current mayor believes it to be. A new mayor will think differently. Never a good idea to move on and leave problems in your wake.
5:07 Please tell us what matters. We have been waiting for you, our grand fearless leader, to tell us what we should care about. It seems so trivial when pickleball is not next to you, or your business isn't affected, or when a city spends public funds and devotes extremely unusual amounts of resources to questionable private enterprises. Thanks for setting us all straight about what REALLY matters round here. I guess you can close up the blog now Lois. Let's all meet over at the Positive in Peru website and have some sodas.
Anon 8:23 The next time you respond to someone elses comment, read the entire comment word for word. A little two letter word has you completely baffled. Read again slowly and don't skip over the word "If". Lack of understanding and ignorance are often associated with inability to read and name calling. Sadly, in your particular case you have mastered the above. Have you ever spoke to a traffic engineer as well as know ten?
And after reviewing your original post, your statement clearly implies a 60% increase in safety and a loss of business, and suggests we are all risking madness to even continue questioning the design and stating it s a more dangerous intersection now.
I have very personal experience in measuring the loss of business, but it's good to know you pulled the 60% safety figure out of the same place Harl did when he said IDOT had approved of the city design before it was implemented.
At the risk of approaching complete irresponsibility , insanity, and perhaps even outrageous hyperbole ( you are not the only one who can use that you know), I submit that responses such as yours should not gloss over the request for you to present your determination that is has been proven that all the business will return, even though the locations are now permanently less convenient to reach. Or did I misunderstand the word "proven"? I do realize that you would prefer I read your posts word for word then accept them for what you meant, as opposed to what you actually said, but I find it much simpler this way. Please , send me your proof that our business will return to previous levels. Sorry for calling you an idiot though, that was uncalled for and you were right to point that out.
5:07 I guess we should only listen to Kristy when we can't find water main leaks. Or need to actually be environmentally responsible. Luckily for Peru, she doesn't only speak when we are listening. She speaks when something needs saying.
Kristy's blog was either the biggest determining factor in Harl winning the 2009 election, or Mayor Baker losing the 2009 election or both. As election time nears you will see a increased interest in this blog, a greater exchange of what is really going on in local politics and the blog taking on a more investigative attitude than either the newspaper or radio station has displayed in the past. For a example of the influence of the blog ask yourself if the council would be showing its meetings without the blogs continuous push for these recordings.
Does anyone have a idea why people interested in government follow the blog? Could a major reason be that when elected repeeentation starts to work for themselves and their appointed city officials only the blog gives the citizen a way of expressing openly without first submitting a three by five index card. Incidently when a appointed city official has to speak from the audience why don't they have to stand at the podium with a microphone so the entire body can hear them?
Anon 9:46 If you truly have a representative position with any of the corporations associated with 38th and Venture Drive could you please submit a list to the blog of recent marketing attempts to regain your previous market share that your firm has taken? What traffic flow pattern has been submitted by your firm to the city that could be implemented after the holidays that would be a improvement? Something had to be done and now it has been done and it is your turn to submit something better. Sort of like playing checkers with a small government facility that thumbs its nose at you and says "I Rule". Therefore you have to jump them or you will become another Peru topic for discussion forever same as the concert or the fireworks. There is always the possibility that the path you will have to take will be the same as those who have been directly harmed by pickle ball are now being forced to follow.
7:23. Obviously you have no idea what has transpired with the business owners and that intersection. Another design was submitted that would have worked wonderfully, but Chamlins and the mayor didn't want to try it because it would have shown that,yes, there was a better design but, no, they didn't come up with it!
How can a new marketing strategy help these businesses if the reason people aren't going there is because they can't get in and out of there? It's inconvenient and our society is all about convenience and quickness.
Stop making the businesses the bad guys and put the blame where it belongs. Just like the pickleball supporters are trying to make the neighbors look like the bad guys. Wake up!
7:22 I would be happy to do so, except for just a few things. 1) I do not work for you. And I doubt you would hire me since I do not understand the power and deep meaning of the word "if". 2) The city admin implemented the change without discussing it with any of the businesses, while our alderman was away, and has essentially closed the book on any new ideas. Just review the minutes of the meetings. 3) If someone comes up and punches me in the gut, is it your contention that I be required to show the individual in great detail all of the other solutions they could have used to resolve their dispute with me? If that is your position, I would advise you not to hit me in the gut. My response would be somewhat different and my guess is you would not enjoy it.
Again, I simply would enjoy some of your proof that business will most definitely return to pre change level. Perhaps you share the same analytical methods of the news tribune reporter. They simply looked the lot and said , "Sure seems busy. " Many people view this in the same manner as if there was some temporary construction on a road. It is assumed that after the road is reopened , business returns to its previous state. The fact is that even in such instances, if the delay is long enough, even restoring the exact same road can impact the business shoppers, since most consumers are creatures of habit. The black and white analytics of even well educated observers here astound me. Of course many shoppers have adjusted and still frequent the business. But if they make only 2% less visits now, it is a dramatic financial impact to stores like Home Depot and Target. That means even if they visit 49 times, that one time that it was inconvenient to pop over from the mall or go to lunch will drop our business. And the patterns get entrenched, if they go somewhere else there is always a chance we lose more than that single one visit out of 50. These businesses have been treated very poorly with this issue. It does not matter to you, and that's ok. But do not call us "nearly insane" because we do not like it. In return, I promise not to call you an idiot.
Since many of us don't listen to the local radio, would you care to share with us the reason for the commercial on the radio. A real commercial and not a public service announcement?
I see that the video recording from the last city council meeting is already on line. I think we can pretty much assume that the video from the controversial meeting of Nov. 14th will not make its' way to the web-site.
A blogger blogged above to forget about the concerts, pickleball and intersection and move on to bigger things. The blogger must be clueless- come April hopefully voters will take those issues and more to the polling booth. Doesn't blogger realize that a government entity is suppose to work for the people and what's best for their city in which they were elected to do? These issues should be of utmost importance when casting votes. And these issues should be used In the campaigning arena in which they should. My opinion to bigger and better things.
What other issues can a voter judge this administration on besides pickle ball, ambulance service, concerts, fireworkks, infrastructure, sales tax, 175th centennial, city administration appointments and wages, revenue and expenditures, number of vechiles purchased by the city for department heads and whether they are a luxury or needed etc. This is what this administration and council have been about. Being deep in debt have the present decision makers been conservative or have they been big time operators? Has Peru shown progress in the last four years? Has the change promised been made or are the same service corporations still in control? Are you as a citizen and Peru as a city better off than four years ago?
Thank you 7:01! You get it, now we just have to get the message out to the rest of the voters in Peru. Whether it be by this blog, word of mouth, or open forum we must put a stop to all the issues you have listed.
Dear 7:01 a.m. - The answer to your questions is an unequivocal "yes". Peru is by far better off than four short years ago. We have financial stability we did not have just a few years ago. Our Street Program is actually impacting large sections of roadways. Not just one block at a time. A solid plan to improve the rest of our infrastrucutre is in place and being implemented. No such plan ever existed before four years ago. We have a city council that allows each and every alderman to openly express his or her opinion at will. Open dissent was never allowed by the previous administration. There is no longer a unanimous "rubber stamp" as was the case on all issues before. Are we better off? No doubt about it. Is there room to progress? No doubt about that either. If Mayor Harl is re-elected or defeated matters not at this point. A new course has been set forward and the ancient ways of "old school" Peru government drew its last breath in 2009. And good riddance to it!
Anon 7:01 You can also judge it on the swimming pool issue and its inability to give a realistic time frame that it is going to take to replace it, or to step into the present and build a splashpad. This shovel ready group would rather spend a fortune, because of business mistake after business mistake, on the demolition of the power plant than give children a water recreation. For the financial sake of the city please do not allow the swimming pool to be demolished until after the elections. From evidence displayed in the demolition of the power plant the demolition of the pool will cost more than building a new one, THIS HAS BEEN A EMBARRASSMENT!
I heard there was a bad accident yesterday at 36th & 251. Is it possibly because of the new Adventure Drive disaster, people are using 36th more, and so the problem that was supposed to be fixed, has perhaps just moved a little south?
Looks like the big "improvement" on 38th and 251 is a FLOP. FINALLY SOMETHING HAS TO BE REPORTED! Now you bunch of "WANT TO BE BIGSHOTS -- LEADERS OF PERU", WAKE UP AND SWALLOW YOUR PRIDE AND ADMIT YOU WERE WRONG. Also, have Chamlin return the money he collected for this genius design! If he only had gotten paid for good results in the past, Peru's debts would not be as bad as they are.
No one has been more critical than this process than me, but one accident does not prove anything one way or the other. There may even be less accidents, but the accidents at venture and 38 will likely be more high speed, greater impact when they happen now. And they will happen. Chamlin will not be giving any money back. Nor should they. They were given a set of parameters, and a budget , and came up with this. We have no idea who decided to do this or what the limits were on the budget. I do not think Chamlin was asked to do a study, or give a list of options that would be higher cost. I think when Lois did a FOIA, there was practically nothing in terms of correspondence or proposals between Chamlin and the City. It possibly was their first and only suggestion, and it might have been the Mayors idea for all we know. I think it may be very possible that the idea could have been written on a napkin by a Mall business owner while having a beer with an alderman. We just have no idea because there are no planning meetings, no studies , no details or records. Like everything else.
According to the news tribune the accident that occurred was not a direct result of the new intersection. My question is that I wonder how many of the accidents that were reported to have happened in years past were a direct result of the intersection. My point being that many of them could have been similar to the one that occurred Saturday. We have no direct proof that the previous accidents "all" were a result of the intersection design.
Never thought about it that way 7:21, but surely Mayor Harl would have investigated the numbers before he changed that intersection and not just assumed that they were all a result of the southbound turn lane.
7:21 And is the news tribune completely a sellout now and actually becoming propaganda machine. Why did they lead with that statement? Why did they feel the need to state right off that the new design had nothing to do with it?
If the city was saying that this new design was implemented in part to make less accidents happen there, why is there a rush to start discounting new accidents? The fact is I doubt the types of accidents and cause were never analyzed at all, and guys like Alderman A just said it was safer now because they felt like it.
They where not even turning on 38th Street. It happened in the right hand lane. All the cars where continuing North if the article is accurate. The compelling statement is that the 45year old lady that caused the accident "could not remember what she was doing but looked up to see the cars stopped at the red light." Socker Mom yapping away or texting on the telephone? It will probably come out that this accedent was caused by a lady in the drivers seat doing everything but driving.
I know there are many opinions on the intersection, as there are many opinions about the mayor and council's decisions, but I just wanted to say that I think we go down a very dangerous path when we want to assign blame to a government entity and say that the design causes the accidents. It is a fact that driver error is what causes accidents almost every single time. As someone who travels quite a bit, there is nothing overly perplexing about this intersection and in my opinion, it has greatly enhanced traffic flow that was backed up. That problem has been solved at least. I am not saying it is perfect or that it was decided the right way, but when there is an accident it is not anyone's fault but the person behind the wheel, in one car or the other. Thank you.
To 8:58 AM, What a refreshing and reasonable comment. I'm really surprised that Lois did not "Remove" you. An honest and reasonable comment on this blog is an "endangered species" indeed. Congratulations on being one of the very few to voice common sense and reason on this very hateful and hurtful forum of malcontents.
Please don't pat yourself on the back for your comment. You know as well as most people do that all comments unless they are malicious or contain disgusting language are posted on the blog. Your denigrating of this blog does not speak well of you "anonymous" while trying to put down what is written here.
10:27 There has been nothing hateful or hurtful about intersection criticism. It was implemented in a horrible and completely un professional way and also it does clearly speed up flow. No question it increases and speeds flow. That would happen if you made many four way stops two way stops around town and eliminated left turns. Faster flow through. More speed and energy in collisions. But it also is inherently more dangerous and has negatively impacted businesses. Those are facts, just like the cover up of minor accidents there. Also fact. Blaming drivers for skirting the intersection or drivers for accidents ignores the design flaws. Driver error is present in almost all accidents. No one is absolving drivers when they say it is a bad design. People who think the intersection is easy to navigate are entitled to their opinion, just as others are entitled to point out its inherent flaws and inconvenience. It's not bashing or being hurtful.
82 comments:
Why wasn't the owner of Dairy Queen interviewed?
Because the owner of Dairy Queen, Warren Buffett, lives in Omaha Nebraska and could not be contacted before press time.
"American Dairy Queen Corporation is a subsidary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc."
:)
Why would the owner of Dairy Queen be interviewed? There were several meetings open to the owner as well as the general public. The manger of Dairy Queen presented a traffic plan which was proven to be inadequate.
The final decision should be based on different submitted outlines of traffic control and a cost analysis married to them to determine which is best. If anything is presented which is better than the present it should be implemented, but as any problem presented you have to reach a conclusion and live with it.
Personally I feel that this entire area including the mall have paid Peru a vast amount of sales taxes and a entrance and exit similar to Kohls and Walmart should be implemented.
I know the cost would be alot but granting The development north 1/2%of 1% of sales taxes until a total of $6,500,000 will be reached is also great. So in so many words the taxpayer paid for that developments entrance and exit.
For those who think this intersection is working and that there are no kinks in the situation I suggest you proceed with caution. It may have helped with the supposed problem ("if" there's was a problem) on 251 but it has created a hazard elsewhere.
I have a greater concern. Why does it seem that our police department apparently lies about things to cover up issues? From the concert to the 38th St intersection to the family area at fourth of July- to who knows what else?
Why? People expect some issues, but every answer given always seems to be no problems at all. It is the pattern that is alarming. There always seems to be a cover up of some sort, even in the smallest issue. Does it extend to the News Trib as well? I have seen them slant on some stories, but is it even deeper than that?
11:42. The owner of Dairy Queen should have been interviewed because his business has been impacted the most. He did go to those open meetings and was treated rudely by the mayor. He tried to give sheets with signatures of people who didn't like the change, but the mayor refused to look at them. All the change did was create many problems while fixing one. The thing that helped this intersection work is the fact that Target and the mall opened on Thursday and at different times. If it wasn't for that fact alone, this intersection would have proven more of a problem instead of being considered a success by some.
Radio reported a couple fender benders. Remember, back when Kid Rock concert was performed, no major problems by fans. Several friends of mine that attended this concert said there was alot of smoke in the air. Maybe it was cigarette smoke. Lol. Winder how parents who took their young children to this concert explained this one. I urge anyone to ask 18+ year olds this question. We as taxpayers are only going to hear positive comments from those in charge, not the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Black Friday in any shopping area or towns makes for a nighmare at intersections, it's all the other days of the year that this intersection isn't accommodating for businesses or drivers. A smart person would have the solution to fix this intersection done by the next election in
April. We'll see if that's done.
I can't believe Peru's mayor would comment the way he did about something that has affected businesses that are the backbone of his community.
Is the City admitting wrecks that occurred at 251 and the mall was due to the Venture Drive intersection design? So my cousin can file suit against the city for a wreck she was involved in there? I'll have to ask her if she was ticketed because drivers aren't held accountable between 2007 and 2011 at that intersection. the city is responsible because of a faulty design.
Lets not hold drivers accountable for not paying attention lets blame it on the design. Stupid! I see more wrecks at Arby's intersection than anywhere. What can the city blame that on?
I noticed everytime i go east to stop sign who ever is coming west stops and waves me through ! Now thats a hazzard to me . If i go they may get rearended or someone may come around them and hit me . I don't go the people behind me lay on their horns . WTF . If it isn't broke then don't fix it city of Peru !!!!!!!!!!!!
12:40 I got a real chuckle out of the "reports" from the KR concert. Two ambulance trips required for "pre existing" conditions. What pre existing condition requires emergency trip? LOL. And there was no question about drug use, it was posted all over the Lagrottos facebook in comments of people who were SUPPORTIVE of the whole concert, and even they were complaining about pot and overly rowdy fans.
The police and mayor seem to go out of their way to try and cover up things, even when they do not have to do it. Who would not expect incidents at a rock concert like that? It's the same at this intersection, there are some accidents already , don't say everything is perfect. Give the citizens some credit.
12:27. You are so so so so correct. Did you attend concert? Or people you know? What did they have to say about it? But wait a second-no problems. I think more of department heads that are honest. Sugar coating it for the publics interest. The public and taxpayers are alot smarter than department heads think. The news tribune mentioned EMERGENCY SAFETY DIASTER AGENCY WAS UP AT INTERSECTION AREA. ?? What organization is that? WHO'S IN CHARGE OF THAT? I saw that ALDERMAN FERRARI IS INVOLVED ON THE CAPTION BELOW ON THIS FORUM. Maybe Mr. Ferrari can comment, since he SHOULD have knowledge. Also how is it determined when esda services are needed? Were problems expected to happen?? And that's why they were there. Saw a picture of a car with agency name on it in paper. ???????????????????
Why weren't people arrested for illegal substance? approx 10k people at concert and no DUI's! Security must have had a buzz. ITS NOTHING BUT LYING. This was flying like saucers within the community about the concert.
Evidently this administration doesn't listen and take a proactive approach for we taxpayers. The only hope is that the new administration come April will have common sense approach and fix issues. And just as importantly be honest, and respectful.
Was the newspaper article a joke? Could
I have been dreaming what I read? Or did i just get home
from the KR CONCERT AND NEVER EVEN HAD A DROP TO DRINK?
1:43 good point! What were the people involved in those accidents from that time frame charged with? following to close? failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident? texting and driving? blocking an intersection? I'm also curious to know how many never got ticketed due to "poor intersection plan"? I was in Fox Valley over the weekend and their intersections were backed up, in fact we had to sit through 2 green lights before the otherside was clear for us to go through the intersection at Rt. 59 and 34. If people are inpatient and wreck it's their own fault.
Remember who appoints the police chief.....
"Peru intersection passes first-big test", todays NT Newspaper. I'm assuming that a majority of Peru's Senior Citizens get the newspaper. How perfect for Mayor Harl to get his name in paper for those to read and think what great job he's doing. A PR STUNT. A lot of these seniors don't or are unable to attend council meetings or have access or know how to use computer to become informed of how things are done in the city where they have paid MANY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN TAXES. if they only knew they would be disgusted in my opinion.
2:28 Giving citizens credit will never happen with this administration, because they think we are all stupid and couldn't possibly have any input into what is going on in the city.
Just how successful do these idiotic rulers and lawmakers of Peru think they are when it comes to this intersection? WAL-MART IS GONE FROM THIS INTERSECTION! Just what would it be if WAL-MART was still in the same area? What a bunch of pretend-to-be bigshots!!!
5:21 BINGO!! Finally someone else gets it!!! But, even with Wal-Mart gone, that intersection is a disaster now because of its' new design.
2:52 Making arrests at a rock concert is a tricky business. The truth is the very act of having it is condoning illegal drug usage, because many would not come if there were pat downs and arrests made. There is also the problem of riot and large crowd control. The security and police must make a judgement whether to risk starting a riot.
I believe there were approximately half the recommended number of police staffing based on potential crowd size, so I do not think they were in the mood to start making an anti drug stand.
From what eye witness reports said, a majority of the effort was on keeping the tailgating down. To be fair, tailgating is a major source of past rock concert safety issues worldwide, but it also cannot be ignored that they wanted the drinking to occur inside where the profit could be maximized.
Before everyone reaches the point of complete irresponsibility and insanity they should consider that the driver of a automobile has to accept the obligation of safety of their automobile. If safety has been increased at 38th & Venture Drive by 60% and some business as a result have decreased in volume by a small amount until those business' come up with a better plan and present it it appears that they are going to have to live with what they got. In time it is a proven fact that their busineess will be back to what it had been.
Doesn't Mayor Harl appoint the police chief? And the Fire Chief. Why and how did this come to be? Prior to Mayor Harl under my understanding these WEREN'T APPOINTED POSITIONS. How did he become able to get this passed through the council??? What other appointments has Harl made and is ablle to make?
From all the dissatisfaction expressed why is their only one candidate running against the incumbent Mayor? Isn't anyone interested In the government of Peru besides a few? I've been told that the previous Mayor was in office for forty four consecutive years and in many elections faced no opposition but it has to be remembered that Peru had many wonderful and progressive times in those past years which they are no longer experiencing.
You don't need pat downs at door, all you need is a nose and eyeballs! Oh, let's not forget it was said that these concerts are family events. This is another reason not to allow concerts if Peru and it's concert promoter can't control bad behavior. Fact being, no problems
at concert similar to no problems at intersection. It all come to what they want the public to hear and believe. There is this thing called camera cell phones, everythings up for viewing. Pictures are worth a thousand words.
6:05PM
Pretty sure that the police and fire chiefs have always been political appointees of the mayor.
5:51 Where did you go to business / traffic engineering school? It is a proven fact that their business will be back? The intersection is 60 per cent safer?
Who has proven this business theory of yours? The businesses have solid data that customers have been lost. From that point you will NEVER be able to tell what any future sales increase SHOULD or COULD be. You are the type of idiot that will say, "see you did as much this month as same month last year so it all came back"
And what is your safety measurement? Are you comparing the extended traffic data Harl referenced and comparing it to a few months sample size?
Take the EYEBALL test. Speed through intersection, visibility angles, near misses. Maybe, just maybe, safety on 251 will be improved but I stand by this, that new intersection may have higher throughput but IT IS NOT SAFER than a 4 way stop, period. And I would gladly wager 9 out of 10 impartial traffic engineers would agree. Higher throughput yes, safer no.
the best way to make it safe is to buldose the whole bloody development.
Lois - This "Blob" continues to sink deeper and deeper into obscurity because of the total lack of credible or constructive comments.
99% of the participation here consists of nothing but blather about "nothing".
Endless complaints and insults directed at elected officials.
Nothing constructive!
Nothing of benefit!
Nothing but a forum of bitchers and complainers.
You people must be so miserable with your own existense that your only release is to lash out out at others.
Most of you really should consider some type emotional evaluation. I'm serious.
Get some help!
11:17 AM
Did your comment do anything else but bitch and complain?
Just talked to a woman from Spring Valley who works in La Salle and she told of being ticketed for $110 at the 'intersection'. I think first-timers should be given a warning. I'm afraid this is turning into a revenue enhancer and could produce a sour attitude toward Peru. My biggest gripe is about the timing of the sensors at the intersection. When is the last time the state has surveyed the traffic and reset the timers? Nothing irritates me more than sitting at a red light with no cross traffic. If the turn arrows should be on longer...DO IT. At least make an effort to improve the traffic flow.
DO YOU FEEL BETTER NOW?
Maybe if the Peru leaders would stop doing stupid things, we all could stop complaining! I saw in the paper last night that LaSalle is having a big Christmas Day with lots of events. Why isn't Peru doing something like that? Peru's city hall isn't even decorated!
If the elected officials would do what they were elected to do the amount of complaints would either stop all together or at least slow down. And besides once you are an elected official you better have some thick skin because you are fair game. You are in charge of taxpayer's money and are also being paid for each and every meeting that you attend. So until the system changes that is the price you pay. Mayor Harl says deal with the intersection ,elected officials need to deal with criticism.
11:17- My opinion is you are a blog hater and would have been against the idea of VIDEOTAPPING of council meetings if you had a say so. Who in there right mind is going to blog something if they weren't about to back it
up? If you're disgruntled about this blog town forum in which your opinion thinks is negativity most of them time. My tip to you is to join the concerned taxpayers / bloggers about how the city is operated. Positive recognition blogs
for the city are more than welcomed and accepted for posting and discussing. Nice Christmas decorations downtown Peru! And I'm looking forward to the Christmas Parade.
Are you serious 1:37? Our decorations are way too old and outdated.
I'd feel a lot better if everyone who used this blog signed by name instead of by anonymous . But that would be like HARL saying you can't speak with out filling out a index card before you go to the speak ! Its your right and i as a PERU tax payer understand that . Its the MAYOR and COUNCILS job to lie to you so you think everything is hunky dory . Their in it for the few not the people in Peru . We only need one good person to run for new mayor and i think Mike is him !
11:17 Once more, the wonderfully detailed argument is presented. You say, you are all whiners, you have no facts, you complain about trivia.
I respond, the only FACTS ever presented seem to argue against the blog haters like you.
Take a deep breath and actually refute something, using a fact that is not something that requires us to foia and disprove you, like always.
My favorite type of post like yours came long ago when someone said everything that Kristy was saying about he concert was false. Then they said, "don't ask me how I know this but I do". Kristy then openly gave all the proof that anyone could verify, followed by deafening silence from the original blogger.
Cmon, if everything is just false bitchin and composing, why not send some spin master from the city to write a few rebuttals. They are not hard to do. Unless you have to always lie and cover up.
Obviously 1:17 is an elected official or a relative.
I think that was a joke about decorations for blogger 3:50 to determine for themselves if it were a positive or a negative blog. DOES ANYBODY KNOW IF THE CITY IS HAVING A CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR CITY EMPLOYEES? If so, where? How's it being paid for? OOPS, maybe there is no Christmas Party and the city
Is planning on using the monies that would have been spent on new updated decorations. If party is planned can all the taxpaying bloggers come? I need to pencil party on my calendar. Fun Fun For All!
Why didn't 3:50 identify themselves. I wonder if he/she is the one who blogs that people should have to identify themselves. Just a thought.
11:17 I and many others are with you. Nothing constructive happens here and we are going to use "Kristy" as our reliable source? Seriously.
I could criticize decisions all day, but I choose to get involved where I can and hold public officials accountable at the election box. This is nothing more than entertainment and white noise.
I do not always agree with my elected officials, but 99 percent of the anonymous whiners couldn't handle 5 minutes in public office. I think they did the best they could with the intersection decision and it looks like people have adjusted pretty well.
Let's drop pickle ball and Kid Rock and the intersection and move on to things that matter.
5:07 PM
Sorry to tell you that those things do matter because it tells us about the lack of credibility coming from our elected officials. Some of them would like all this swept under the rug. There is still more to come out about the concert promoters but I am not at liberty to divulge it at present. It may explain why the city was so willing to "give" thousands of dollars. The intersection is only done as far as this current mayor believes it to be. A new mayor will think differently. Never a good idea to move on and leave problems in your wake.
5:07
Please tell us what matters. We have been waiting for you, our grand fearless leader, to tell us what we should care about.
It seems so trivial when pickleball is not next to you, or your business isn't affected, or when a city spends public funds and devotes extremely unusual amounts of resources to questionable private enterprises. Thanks for setting us all straight about what REALLY matters round here.
I guess you can close up the blog now Lois. Let's all meet over at the Positive in Peru website and have some sodas.
Anon 8:23 The next time you respond to someone elses comment, read the entire comment word for word. A little two letter word has you completely baffled. Read again slowly and don't skip over the word "If".
Lack of understanding and ignorance are often associated with inability to read and name calling. Sadly, in your particular case you have mastered the above.
Have you ever spoke to a traffic engineer as well as know ten?
Does anyone believe that Kristy's blog was instrumental in the 2009 election?
7:23 Yes I have. And I know three.
And after reviewing your original post, your statement clearly implies a 60% increase in safety and a loss of business, and suggests we are all risking madness to even continue questioning the design and stating it s a more dangerous intersection now.
I have very personal experience in measuring the loss of business, but it's good to know you pulled the 60% safety figure out of the same place Harl did when he said IDOT had approved of the city design before it was implemented.
At the risk of approaching complete irresponsibility , insanity, and perhaps even outrageous hyperbole ( you are not the only one who can use that you know), I submit that responses such as yours should not gloss over the request for you to present your determination that is has been proven that all the business will return, even though the locations are now permanently less convenient to reach. Or did I misunderstand the word "proven"? I do realize that you would prefer I read your posts word for word then accept them for what you meant, as opposed to what you actually said, but I find it much simpler this way. Please , send me your proof that our business will return to previous levels.
Sorry for calling you an idiot though, that was uncalled for and you were right to point that out.
5:07 I guess we should only listen to Kristy when we can't find water main leaks. Or need to actually be environmentally responsible.
Luckily for Peru, she doesn't only speak when we are listening. She speaks when something needs saying.
Kristy's blog was either the biggest determining factor in Harl winning the 2009 election, or Mayor Baker losing the 2009 election or both.
As election time nears you will see a increased interest in this blog, a greater exchange of what is really going on in local politics and the blog taking on a more investigative attitude than either the newspaper or radio station has displayed in the past. For a example of the influence of the blog ask yourself if the council would be showing its meetings without the blogs continuous push for these recordings.
Does anyone have a idea why people interested in government follow the blog? Could a major reason be that when elected repeeentation starts to work for themselves and their appointed city officials only the blog gives the citizen a way of expressing openly without first submitting a three by five index card.
Incidently when a appointed city official has to speak from the audience why don't they have to stand at the podium with a microphone so the entire body can hear them?
Anon 9:46 If you truly have a representative position with any of the corporations associated with 38th and Venture Drive could you please submit a list to the blog of recent marketing attempts to regain your previous market share that your firm has taken?
What traffic flow pattern has been submitted by your firm to the city that could be implemented after the holidays that would be a improvement?
Something had to be done and now it has been done and it is your turn to submit something better. Sort of like playing checkers with a small government facility that thumbs its nose at you and says "I Rule". Therefore you have to jump them or you will become another Peru topic for discussion forever same as the concert or the fireworks.
There is always the possibility that the path you will have to take will be the same as those who have been directly harmed by pickle ball are now being forced to follow.
7:23. Obviously you have no idea what has transpired with the business owners and that intersection. Another design was submitted that would have worked wonderfully, but Chamlins and the mayor didn't want to try it because it would have shown that,yes, there was a better design but, no, they didn't come up with it!
How can a new marketing strategy help these businesses if the reason people aren't going there is because they can't get in and out of there? It's inconvenient and our society is all about convenience and quickness.
Stop making the businesses the bad guys and put the blame where it belongs. Just like the pickleball supporters are trying to make the neighbors look like the bad guys. Wake up!
6:36 speaking of the 3 x 5 index card has that ordinance been officially voted on and put in the books? i don't think it has!
7:22
I would be happy to do so, except for just a few things.
1) I do not work for you. And I doubt you would hire me since I do not understand the power and deep meaning of the word "if".
2) The city admin implemented the change without discussing it with any of the businesses, while our alderman was away, and has essentially closed the book on any new ideas. Just review the minutes of the meetings.
3) If someone comes up and punches me in the gut, is it your contention that I be required to show the individual in great detail all of the other solutions they could have used to resolve their dispute with me? If that is your position, I would advise you not to hit me in the gut. My response would be somewhat different and my guess is you would not enjoy it.
Again, I simply would enjoy some of your proof that business will most definitely return to pre change level. Perhaps you share the same analytical methods of the news tribune reporter. They simply looked the lot and said , "Sure seems busy. " Many people view this in the same manner as if there was some temporary construction on a road. It is assumed that after the road is reopened , business returns to its previous state. The fact is that even in such instances, if the delay is long enough, even restoring the exact same road can impact the business shoppers, since most consumers are creatures of habit.
The black and white analytics of even well educated observers here astound me. Of course many shoppers have adjusted and still frequent the business. But if they make only 2% less visits now, it is a dramatic financial impact to stores like Home Depot and Target. That means even if they visit 49 times, that one time that it was inconvenient to pop over from the mall or go to lunch will drop our business. And the patterns get entrenched, if they go somewhere else there is always a chance we lose more than that single one visit out of 50.
These businesses have been treated very poorly with this issue. It does not matter to you, and that's ok. But do not call us "nearly insane" because we do not like it. In return, I promise not to call you an idiot.
Did anyone hear the public works commercial on the radio today?
9:42
Since many of us don't listen to the local radio, would you care to share with us the reason for the commercial on the radio. A real commercial and not a public service announcement?
Yes and I heard one from the city clerks office and the police department. They are commercials wishing people a merry Christmas.
I heard them on 106.1 fm the Christmas music channel
I see that the video recording from the last city council meeting is already on line. I think we can pretty much assume that the video from the controversial meeting of Nov. 14th will not make its' way to the web-site.
A blogger blogged above to forget about the concerts, pickleball and intersection and move on to bigger things. The blogger must be clueless- come April hopefully voters will take those issues and more to the polling booth. Doesn't blogger realize that a government entity is suppose to work for the people and what's best for their city in which they were elected to do? These issues should be of utmost importance when casting votes. And these issues should be used In the campaigning arena in which they should. My opinion to bigger and better things.
What other issues can a voter judge this administration on besides pickle ball, ambulance service, concerts, fireworkks, infrastructure, sales tax, 175th centennial, city administration appointments and wages, revenue and expenditures, number of vechiles purchased by the city for department heads and whether they are a luxury or needed etc. This is what this administration and council have been about.
Being deep in debt have the present decision makers been conservative or have they been big time operators? Has Peru shown progress in the last four years? Has the change promised been made or are the same service corporations still in control? Are you as a citizen and Peru as a city better off than four years ago?
Thank you 7:01! You get it, now we just have to get the message out to the rest of the voters in Peru. Whether it be by this blog, word of mouth, or open forum we must put a stop to all the issues you have listed.
Dear 7:01 a.m. - The answer to your questions is an unequivocal "yes".
Peru is by far better off than four short years ago. We have financial stability we did not have just a few years ago.
Our Street Program is actually impacting large sections of roadways. Not just one block at a time. A solid plan to improve the rest of our infrastrucutre is in place and being implemented. No such plan ever existed before four years ago. We have a city council that allows each and every alderman to openly express his or her opinion at will. Open dissent was never allowed by the previous administration. There is no longer a unanimous "rubber stamp" as was the case on all issues before.
Are we better off?
No doubt about it.
Is there room to progress?
No doubt about that either.
If Mayor Harl is re-elected or defeated matters not at this point.
A new course has been set forward and the ancient ways of "old school" Peru government drew its last breath in 2009.
And good riddance to it!
Anon 7:01 You can also judge it on the swimming pool issue and its inability to give a realistic time frame that it is going to take to replace it, or to step into the present and build a splashpad.
This shovel ready group would rather spend a fortune, because of business mistake after business mistake, on the demolition of the power plant than give children a water recreation.
For the financial sake of the city please do not allow
the swimming pool to be demolished until after the elections. From evidence displayed in the demolition of the power plant the demolition of the pool will cost more than building a new one, THIS HAS BEEN A EMBARRASSMENT!
I heard there was a bad accident yesterday at 36th & 251. Is it possibly because of the new Adventure Drive disaster, people are using 36th more, and so the problem that was supposed to be fixed, has perhaps just moved a little south?
2:26 PM
The accident was 38th and 251, somebody not paying attention to their driving. No serious injuries.
Looks like the big "improvement" on 38th and 251 is a FLOP. FINALLY SOMETHING HAS TO BE REPORTED! Now you bunch of "WANT TO BE BIGSHOTS -- LEADERS OF PERU", WAKE UP AND SWALLOW YOUR PRIDE AND ADMIT YOU WERE WRONG. Also, have Chamlin return the money he collected for this genius design! If he only had gotten paid for good results in the past, Peru's debts would not be as bad as they are.
5:06
No one has been more critical than this process than me, but one accident does not prove anything one way or the other. There may even be less accidents, but the accidents at venture and 38 will likely be more high speed, greater impact when they happen now. And they will happen.
Chamlin will not be giving any money back. Nor should they. They were given a set of parameters, and a budget , and came up with this. We have no idea who decided to do this or what the limits were on the budget.
I do not think Chamlin was asked to do a study, or give a list of options that would be higher cost. I think when Lois did a FOIA, there was practically nothing in terms of correspondence or proposals between Chamlin and the City. It possibly was their first and only suggestion, and it might have been the Mayors idea for all we know. I think it may be very possible that the idea could have been written on a napkin by a Mall business owner while having a beer with an alderman. We just have no idea because there are no planning meetings, no studies , no details or records. Like everything else.
According to the news tribune the accident that occurred was not a direct result of the new intersection. My question is that I wonder how many of the accidents that were reported to have happened in years past were a direct result of the intersection. My point being that many of them could have been similar to the one that occurred Saturday. We have no direct proof that the previous accidents "all" were a result of the intersection design.
Never thought about it that way 7:21, but surely Mayor Harl would have investigated the numbers before he changed that intersection and not just assumed that they were all a result of the southbound turn lane.
7:21 And is the news tribune completely a sellout now and actually becoming propaganda machine. Why did they lead with that statement? Why did they feel the need to state right off that the new design had nothing to do with it?
If the city was saying that this new design was implemented in part to make less accidents happen there, why is there a rush to start discounting new accidents? The fact is I doubt the types of accidents and cause were never analyzed at all, and guys like Alderman A just said it was safer now because they felt like it.
They where not even turning on 38th Street. It happened in the right hand lane. All the cars where continuing North if the article is accurate. The compelling statement is that the 45year old lady that caused the accident "could not remember what she was doing but looked up to see the cars stopped at the red light." Socker Mom yapping away or texting on the telephone? It will probably come out that this accedent was caused by a lady in the drivers seat doing everything but driving.
What about the fender benders that have not been reported to the public and shoved under the carpet?
I know there are many opinions on the intersection, as there are many opinions about the mayor and council's decisions, but I just wanted to say that I think we go down a very dangerous path when we want to assign blame to a government entity and say that the design causes the accidents. It is a fact that driver error is what causes accidents almost every single time. As someone who travels quite a bit, there is nothing overly perplexing about this intersection and in my opinion, it has greatly enhanced traffic flow that was backed up. That problem has been solved at least. I am not saying it is perfect or that it was decided the right way, but when there is an accident it is not anyone's fault but the person behind the wheel, in one car or the other. Thank you.
SOCCER DADS TOO!
To 8:58 AM,
What a refreshing and reasonable comment. I'm really surprised that Lois did not "Remove" you.
An honest and reasonable comment on this blog is an "endangered species" indeed.
Congratulations on being one of the very few to voice common sense and reason on this very hateful and hurtful forum of malcontents.
Dare you to print it Lois.
10:27 AM
Please don't pat yourself on the back for your comment. You know as well as most people do that all comments unless they are malicious or contain disgusting language are posted on the blog. Your denigrating of this blog does not speak well of you "anonymous" while trying to put down what is written here.
10:27
There has been nothing hateful or hurtful about intersection criticism. It was implemented in a horrible and completely un professional way and also it does clearly speed up flow. No question it increases and speeds flow. That would happen if you made many four way stops two way stops around town and eliminated left turns. Faster flow through. More speed and energy in collisions.
But it also is inherently more dangerous and has negatively impacted businesses.
Those are facts, just like the cover up of minor accidents there. Also fact. Blaming drivers for skirting the intersection or drivers for accidents ignores the design flaws. Driver error is present in almost all accidents. No one is absolving drivers when they say it is a bad design.
People who think the intersection is easy to navigate are entitled to their opinion, just as others are entitled to point out its inherent flaws and inconvenience. It's not bashing or being hurtful.
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