Bus Stop
Dear Editor: I would like to comment on the recommendation by the Fire and Police Commission and the final approval by the Assembly on line item I 13-199 Location for the Community Ride Transit Stop on Lake Street in front of Stereo North retail store.
Assuming the city, the DPW and R & M Consultants made every effort to accommodate those who use the parking lot (short/long term parking for fishermen, boat launch, ample space for events at Centennial Hall, transportation logistics for cruise ship clientele and tour operators, summer-long special interest businesses like Sitka Sound Ocean Adventures and their kayak bus) it stands to reason THE RIDE is just as important and accommodations were/are made for the customers they serve. Why now after the parking lot is finished is the city transferring its liability responsibility onto the State DOT?
In the recommendation, five locations were cited and the best that could be offered was in front of Stereo North retail store which is located on a state highway. However, location #5 is deep-seated with liability issues based on the 25 mph speed limit through the intersection, the “S” curve that begins at Seward and Lake and continues from Lincoln onto Harbor to the New Archangel retail store. With the grade level sloping downward/upward (depending the direction one is driving), the two blind spots at the apex of the curve and the 4-way traffic signal, THE RIDE drivers are at a hazardous disadvantage with a BLIND SPOT as they pull out into fast-moving traffic. The recommended and approved site also put strains on ‘‘doing business’’ to one merchant and one merchant alone!
With my 25 years’ experience in transportation and logistics, it is my opinion, that sixth location would work best regardless of promises made to special interest groups.
Coincidently the sixth location is directly across from Stereo North’s approved site. In the Crescent Harbor parking lot there are 13 parking spaces located adjacent to the public restrooms. When landscaping, an egress was made to the Harbor Drive sidewalk and one handicap parking space merging into the walkway. Not much is needed to re-configure and conform to the standards of a central terminus bus stop.
THE RIDE is requesting 100 feet access for their transit stop. There will be three lines (green, red, blue) requiring 100 feet space 12 times per day (Monday-Friday) as they all meet up on the hour and the 30-minute Green Line will need the space 12 extra times as it makes the loop to Japonski Island. The 13 spaces (minus one for the handicap space) offers plenty of length and width to establish a designated zone in which to load bicycles, wheelchairs, walkers, baby carriages, grocery baskets, and patrons – and not impede the thoroughfare traffic and exit. Most likely, four parking spaces could be kept ‘as-is’ near the restroom. When THE RIDE is not in service, signage would instruct drivers to use as needed.
Regardless of the weather, the parking lot is maintained by the city and come winter snow removal will make this transit stop safe for boarding procedures. The central terminus is adjacent to the public restrooms, a bicycle rack, awning for shelter and seating. Nearby is Market Center, shops and museums. This location would promote ridership to the independent traveler who is looking for remote experiences.
Currently, five of the 13 parking spaces are being used as a Used Car Lot as sellers attempt to sell their car. Continue to do so and the city is saying ‘‘no’’ to safe ridership and ‘‘yes’’ to a used car lot!
Again, I urge everyone to re-think this piece of legislation and amend the location to better serve the community. THE RIDE is part of the transportation system in Sitka and it should not have been treated as an ‘‘after-thought’’ to the Crescent Harbor parking lot upgrade.
Reminder: We must be good stewards to state funding as the 4-way state intersection becomes a liability to all the taxpayers of Alaska. A lawsuit in Sitka drains the state fund requested by citizens in Nome, Prudhoe Bay and/or Bristol, for example. Bring the accountability of our actions back onto city land and it may reflect good leadership when requesting funds for future projects.
Mary Stephenson, Sitka
