It's been a week since they finished re-striping Sherman Avenue and everyone seems to have adjusted just fine. There's no gridlock, the side streets aren't full of speeding Waunakeeans, turning left onto or off Sherman is no more trouble than before. As far as I can tell, the only people truly inconvenienced are those who felt entitled to speed down Sherman at 40 miles an hour.
But that hasn't stopped former Ald. Dorothy Borchardt and the Northside Business Association from continuing to bloviate over email and talk radio. You might have noticed the "No TWLTL" buttons for sale at some store counters. They've raised money to contract for an "independent" study they're releasing next week.
It seems like this issue breaks down along generational lines, with older residents more opposed and younger residents more supportive. As one of those supportive younger residents, I'd like the folks fighting this to think a bit more about who's going to buy their homes.
It's a fact: younger Americans are driving less. We don't measure livability in lane-miles like our parents' and grandparents' generations did. We'd like the option to walk, bus, or bike around town.Making Sherman Avenue better for pedestrians and bicycles makes our neighborhood more attractive to younger homebuyers. A more attractive neighborhood has higher demand, and higher demand leads to higher house prices.
For someone well into their post-retirement years who has a lot of wealth tied up in their home, it's worth thinking about.
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