27 May 10, O'Fallon Progress
To the
editor,
A Rieder Road interchange on I-64, just east of Exit 19, is a bad
idea. Here’s why Stop158 (Citizens for Smart Growth) does
not favor the exchange.
Money is tight. Maintaining and improving roads and bridges are
much more important transportation projects.
If the exchange is to benefit Mid-America Airport, it is foolish.
The failed Mid-America Airport itself is a foolish waste of tax
money, draining money year after year. We don’t need another
passenger airport or freight terminal. Lambert has plenty of room
for both, and China will choose St. Louis, not St. Clair County.
We have suggested offering Mid-America free to Scott AFB. However,
the air force has said Mid-America plays no role in keeping Scott
alive. A new interchange would direct traffic to the backside of
Scott, but there are other access points that currently work.
Some might say an exchange would be a convenience or safety
factor, but there is no preponderance of need, and such arguments
need to be seen in context and balanced against other factors.
Such an exchange is another example of poor planning at the
expense of stressed core communities.
To fuel sprawl is contrary to modern trends, backward and
irresponsible, especially in a time of energy, social, and
environmental distress.
To push into this mostly agricultural territory runs counter to
the obvious advantages, financial and otherwise, of leaving it
alone.
Stop158 favors smart growth. A Reider Road exchange isn’t
smart.
Richard Ellerbrake, spokesperson
Stop158 (Citizens for Smart Growth)
Read more: http://www.bnd.com/2010/05/27/1272073/letter-to-the-editor-interchange.html#ixzz0pNSD5lpw