Let's Rethink Some of This...

I moved to Vancouver over 20 years ago, wanting a place that I could raise my children, feel safe, and take pride in my community. I have not been disappointed until recently.

It saddens me to hear that we are now considered a "suburb of Portland, Oregon", because Vancouver is, and always has been, so much more than that. We are not a suburb of Portland, nor do most of us want to be. The recent announcement of the support by City Council of the light rail coming to Vancouver is as alarming as the recent development that has, unfortunately, attracted more crime and violence (nightly shootings and robberies, etc.) than we have ever seen before. And the events are not only in my area, but are becoming more and more widespread.

When dealing with traffic, however, let's consider the issues we are already facing prior to inviting more trouble with the 'Max'. For example, if you are on Esther and 8th Streets near the park, be on alert! Rarely do cars stop at the stop signs located on each of the corners. When my son tries to cross the street near our home, cars do not stop - in fact, if I had not been there, he would have been killed the other morning just walking to the school bus - because of cars speeding through the Esther Short area at all times of day and night. Can we focus on some of the issues described by residents on this page first before adding more chaos to the traffic issue with the introduction of the 'Max'?

Someone mentioned the Columbia Street bike lane project. I can see where the benefit was supposed to be, but am getting lost in what is really happening. Are cars really supposed to be parking in the middle of the street on the diagonal lines? Everyone I have asked is as confused as I am about this. Also, I do not see many bikers on Columbia on a daily basis anymore. What happened?

Thanks for your time...let's hope we can address and upgrade one thing at a time - starting with preexisting in-town areas of concern, please. :)