Messer area resident speaks out

To the Editor:

I am one of many neighbors opposed to the sidewalk construction as well as other parts of the Messer Area Street Project. The project proposes to update water and sewer services, widen the streets, and install sidewalk, curb and gutter as part of the “Rhinelander Comprehensive Program.” These projects take a template approach, applying this template to each neighborhood project.

The problem with templates, a one-size-fits-all theory, is it is a famously poor fit when applied to these charming and much-loved neighborhoods. Neighbors will lose privacy as sidewalks will come close to private windows. Driveways will be cut so short; many will lose the ability to park in their own driveway. Other neighbors will lose carefully tended gardens and landscaping. Some of the oldest trees in our neighborhood will literally fall victim to this template. 

No doubt, underground services are in sore need of an update. The roads? The city itself points them out as some of the worst in the community. And the alleys? They are in even worse shape than the roads but they will not be touched at all under this project.

What do we get that we don’t need? Sidewalks. Cars, cyclists, walkers of all types and ages have shared the road with no conflict from the beginning of time until present. Seems logical to focus on providing well-maintained sidewalks and safe crosswalks along our main thoroughfares. Not add more sidewalks that are not needed and will only require repairs in time.

In closing, you are probably wondering why you should care if the Messer Street Project gets sidewalks. Well, if you happen to live in Rhinelander, this handy dandy one-size-fits-all template will be coming to another neighborhood soon. Please speak with your alderperson. Tell them you oppose projects that do not protect the beauty of our neighborhoods.

Terry Loduha