Chris, Roy, Bill,
I read in this morning's Dominion Post that Walgreens is going to replace Southern States in Sabraton. How is that going to effect the Deckers Creek trail and bicycle traffic?
As you know, the Deckers Creek trail currently runs adjacent to the Southern States site. Behind Southern States, the crossing of Deckers Creek Blvd. heading upstream is quite dangerous due to the poor sight line. Looking to the left, Deckers Creek Blvd. curves out of the sight line and the fence and stuff in the Southern States lot blocks visibility. Permitting the Walgreens project should consider mitigating this disaster waiting to happen. Certainly,we can't let it be worsened. If Walgreens is permitted to have a traffic exit/entrance onto Deckers Creek Blvd., that crossing will become an even bigger disaster.
With the WVDOH also planning to install a westbound left turn lane from Rt. 7 at the other end of Deckers Creek Blvd. do we have an opportunity to improve the dangers presented by the misalignments of the Deckers Creek trail with Deckers Creek Blvd. at both crossings?
The Walgreens project, the Rt. 7 left turn lane project, the Hogback turn project, and the perpetual uproar about truck traffic through downtown, seems to present us with an opportunity to take an overall systems view of living, business and traffic INCLUDING bicycle and pedestrian between the Mon River and the Sabraton I-68 interchange.
Chris, please don't let the Walgreen's project proceed without considering the impact on bicycle traffic in that area.
Frank D. Gmeindl Chairman, Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board LCI #1703 491 WilsonAvenue Morgantown, WV 26501 304-376-0446 Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles