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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Students want ban on banning students ... What are your favorite places to eat in Ashland? ... Medical examiner reports nothing suspicious in runner's death ... Students want ban on banning students ... What are your favorite places to eat in Ashland? ... Medical examiner reports nothing suspicious in runner's death ... GUEST OPINION Guest Opinion: Nevada Street bridge is not in the plan Comment By Marty Breon DailyTidings.com By Marty Breon Posted Feb. 1, 2016 at 12:01 AM By Marty Breon Posted Feb. 1, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Social News It was a great day. The sun shown brightly, even on the proposed Bear Creek bridge. Finally it's being discussed openly. On Wednesday we heard from a proponent of the bridge who asks, "Will a Nevada Street bridge result in a new — hopefully electric — bus line?" The answer is no. The first problem with this bridge proposal is that it has been developed behind closed doors. It has evaded the process normally afforded public projects of this magnitude, and, until now, has been shielded from public scrutiny. More importantly, it doesn't fit the Comprehensive Master Plan for Ashland, which was adopted in 1996 after much public participation and "process." The transportation section of that plan stresses the greatest needs to be transit improvements to and from the hospital, downtown, and surrounding the university. Nowhere is there mention of a residential public transportation route of any kind, let alone a bridge over Bear Creek! Nor is it mentioned in Transportation Commission minutes, which have many references to pedestrian and bike safety and parking. Hold on, Ashland. Give democracy a chance! Let's start with this project; with the transportation studies (and methodology), trip data, environmental impact statements and surveys of area residents (and methodology) that support the need for this bridge. The council needs to put this proposal on their agenda for public comment, and the Tidings needs to report it. Before seeking outside funding, we need outreach meetings with city staffers who can explain the plans and answer questions. Some justifications for the bridge have been proffered: The need for children to get safely to Helman Street School is one. The school principal, however, reported that very few — perhaps four or five students —– live near Nevada on the other side of the creek. There is an established school bus route via North Mountain and Hersey that works well. School buses are the most basic public transportation yet! Suggestions of a transportation loop running from town, down Mountain, over Nevada Street to Oak and back to town is a wonderful fantasy. But it is neither in the Comprehensive Plan nor discussed in Transportation Commission minutes. There is not taxing authority to establish such a transit loop, nor probable public support. The Rogue Valley Transportation District bus along 99 operates at a loss and must be constantly justified when voters don't support bond initiatives. Ashland voters might support tax initiatives to create a residential transit loop, but building a bridge is putting the cart before the horse. And, this is an automobile bridge and not just another section of The Bear Creek Greenway, a dedicated bike and pedestrian path. Let's return to the process issue. Finally, a public meeting about this proposal was organized by a member of the community and scheduled for Jan. 27. At the last minute this meeting was canceled because the staff member who was to attend was not available or wanted to be more prepared. I am told the meeting may be rescheduled in late February or March. I suspect that at that time we will be informed that this bridge has been fully funded and is shovel-ready. At that point it will be fait accompli. We will have been duped, and Ashland will have its very own bridge to nowhere! The City Council meets on Feb. 2. A transportation report is scheduled. Let the council know how you feel about this proposed bridge! You can find contact information at www.ashland.or.us/StaffDirectory.asp . Marty Breon lives in Ashland. By Marty Breon DailyTidings.com By Marty Breon Posted Feb. 1, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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