LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Dear Editor,

Last week I received a hand delivered letter concerning the recommendations that have been made to upgrade Routes 34/72 west of Route 25 to a five lane roadway. The letter from Ms. Clark further stated that my property may be affected with this improvement, and that representatives from (Missouri Department of Transportation) would like to meet with me to discuss concerns that I might have. I must admit that this letter was somewhat shocking, in light of the fact that I have been in communication with both staff from (Missouri Department of Transportation) and City officials concerning this Route 34/72 upgrade.

In my previous meetings with MoDOT personnel, I was informed that the widening would be limited to a three lane project, not a five lane project. I have discussed the utilization of my property for an interim bridge and temporary roadway during this construction process. It was my understanding that this three lane widening project was to begin either in the late construction year of 1999 or the year 2000. I must tell you, at this point, that while the impact of the three lane widening was significant to our property, according to the preliminary plans, I feel that the widening to five lanes would be devastating to our family business.

As (Scott Meyer, District Engineer, MoDOT) stated in the letter, (he) ha(s) collected data and studied this matter, for the past two years. I think that in a twenty-four to eighteen month period, several significant changes have taken place that may cause (him) to rethink the expansion of a three to a five lane roadway. In that same time frame, traffic has not increased significantly on 34/72 highway. However, in other parts of our City, traffic congestion seems to get worse and worse.

As a business owner, I see the need for the wise expenditure of my operational funds. It would appear the amount of money it would take to increase the size and scope of this widening project could better be used elsewhere in the City of Jackson. I understand that local City and County officials seem to have the same opinion, and have given (Meyer) several alternatives that would help solve the increasing traffic congestion problems that our City suffers.

While I would like to be thought of as progressive and willing to do what's best for everyone involved, I believe that expending the additional monies it would require to expand this project by two lanes is extremely unwise. Not only would there be significant disruption, expense and inconvenience to all of those who live adjacent to this corridor, but in our opinion, it would not be the best use of the taxpayers' money. There are very few things that stay the same for eighteen to twenty-four month periods.

I would respectfully ask that (Meyer) revisit this issue and I trust that (Meyer's) official findings would mirror ours. The catastrophic effect caused by putting somebody out of business or demolishing their home is one that should not be taken lightly, especially if there are viable alternatives that exist that would better serve the needs of our community.

I respectfully request reconsideration of the Highway 34/72 project and continue with the previously established plans and time line for a three lane widening project.

Sincerely,

Joe Bob and Joy Baker

Jackson, Mo.