View from the Heights

My husband John and I live on the west side of town, though also love to shop and dine at several East Arlington businesses.

But, the wide roadway is such a "pedestrian-hostile" contrast to our business district in the Heights, where Mass Ave is narrower and it's an easy, pleasant place for errands on-foot.

We, in fact, chose our Arlington neighborhood for its walkability.

So, I am very excited about the Mass Ave project, to make the sidewalks and street-crossings more pedestrian-friendly, the roadway safer for bicycles, and the sidewalks more inviting with space for outdoor dining.

The opposing vision, to promote the fastest automobile traffic at the expense of pedestrians and cyclists, is not only unsafe, but is also outdated and would essentially preserve the less attractive, less friendly status quo.

If the Mass Ave rebuild encourages people seeking to enjoy the local businesses in East Arlington, while discouraging speedy "pass-through" commuter traffic, this would be a net "win" for our town.

Sue Doctrow
Westminster Avenue