The new SCRCOG report represents a lot of hard work by local citizens and government officials. However, unfortunately it does not recommend a truly "complete street" that would serve users of all ages and abilities. There is not enough attention to certain pedestrian and bicycle issues. In particular, most bicycle traffic is being "recommended" by the report to travel on other streets even though anyone who walks the corridor for more than a few minutes would realize that an extremely high volume of bicycle traffic already exists (primarily via sidewalks). There are some details here: http://www.seeclickfix.com/issues/9507.

Though these limitations make the current draft plan completely unacceptable in my opinion, I definitely support the general concept of improving Whalley Avenue between downtown and Westville. This is our city's most important street and must be given the attention it deserves.

Some of the recommendations in the report are good, and hopefully the ones that run counter to city policy can be corrected. I agree that grassroots support will be key in making this happen -- but grassroots support will be stronger if the planners actually engage surrounding communities and meet the clear needs, economic, health and sustainability goals of our city.