In an email dated April 22, 2017, resident Greg Franklin wrote to individual members of the Long Range Planning Committee (LRPC) to poll them about Ames Avenue becoming an official LRPC project. "My purpose in writing is to ask if the Long Range Planning Committee is the place for this seed to be planted," he wrote.
"We really do need to get people away from the path of cars and trucks at the most curvy and dangerous portion of Perry Avenue. Now that I have the full view of walkers on Perry Avenue, I have personally seen the very dangerous conditions and even close calls--especially when two cars in both directions encounter walkers," Mr. Franklin continued.
Although I am immensely enthused about the Pedestrian Walkway, I am only one person among many. We need each other and each others' ideas and thoughts," Mr. Franklin concluded. Within less than 48 hours he had positive responses from four of the six persons to whom he had written indicating they would support the project becoming an official LRPC project.
The full text of the email follows under "Read More."
"For how busy I seem to keep myself, I am always amazed at the amount of dreamer's thoughts I host. I don't drive as much as I used to, but when I do, my favorite return trip to my cottage is by way of the full length of LAKESIDE Avenue, Genesee, Perry, and Haven. I love looking at the lake, the shoreline, the Greenway, and even the cottages.
"My eyes never fail to be drawn to the Archway/Arbor of the Heritage Walkway and, during the winter, I long for the spring and summer flowers return, along with the lamps hanging on each side. For me, that pedestrian arch seems to call out to me, "Enter this beautiful place through me." The Arch not only holds symbolic historical value for me but also a strong sense of the present. I see the Arch and I feel the welcome and encouragement it provides to "Come this way--I am here for you."
"Ever since Suzanne mentioned her memory of an arch at the Park end of Ames Ave., I have been overwhelmed with the thoughts of another two "invitational" arches at either ends of Ames Avenue. I want people to feel the welcoming power of the white arch and to be drawn to what I hope and dream would return, not only to being a safe and direct path, but also a beautified and truly enjoyable walkway between the Park and Epworth Hall. I believe it to be not only a return to historical roots, but most importantly, a powerful culmination of history to the present.
"My purpose in writing is to ask if the Long Range Planning Committee is the place for this seed to be planted. I know there used to be an SLI Garden Committee but we already have some of the best people around on the LRPC--people who have demonstrated some of the finest and most inspirational ideas. Since I am no longer steady on my legs (because of my low back condition), I am more inclined to volunteer some of my limited funds and my advertising skills to LRPC projects. I priced arch's online and those that were delivered free of charge (both wood and vinyl) were running in the range of $159. At that rate, I would consider it a privilege to donate an arch.
"We really do need to get people away from the path of cars and trucks at the most curvy and dangerous portion of Perry Avenue. Now that I have the full view of walkers on Perry Avenue, I have personally seen the very dangerous conditions and even close calls--especially when two cars in both directions encounter walkers. There simply is no need for folks endangering their lives on the most curvy and dangerous portion of Perry Avenue when we have an historical, pre-planned main walkway already between two significant points in the Institute which by-passes that most troubled section of public road.
"Although I am immensely enthused about the Pedestrian Walkway, I am only one person among many. We need each other and each others' ideas and thoughts. Please let me know what the committee thinks about this valuable project and if you are willing to take it under your wing as a committee. I will help in any way I can. You are welcome to re-send (forward) this email to others. (I don't have Diane's email.)
Warmly Yours, Greg"
Greg your neighborhood thinks that's a terrific vision you have for Ames Avenue footpath with arches and flowers. We are lucky to have a talented groundsman that could accomplish that whole project to you're specifications.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your positive response to this particular vision for the walking path. I am open to many opinions as to how to modify the vision, how to develop it, and how to maintain it. Sometimes, not always, the power of volunteer love is superior to simply assigning additional duties to one's current job responsibilities. I would love to hear more input on this subject.
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