We, the undersigned parents, taxpayers, residents, and community members, strongly oppose the alternate proposed plan to extend Castle Ave from end of Lombardi Street to Mathew through 6 existing homes, yards, and shop. This plan would directly disrupt established homes, endanger the safety of children and families, and cost the taxpayer millions of dollars more.  The city had already reached a previous agreement with a property owner after 3 years of work and it was in line to receive grants to help pay for it.  The city unnecessarily spent $50,000 on an unecessary appraisal at the insistence of one councilman, the newest member supposedly representing this district. His proposal is at the end of the street and cuts through the pathway and turn-around for the buses and their staging area at the start and end of the school day. He is also on record of requesting the city to set aside $150,000 of taxpayer money to fight an anticipated long legal battle with multiple property owners that may lose their homes.  This makes no common sense and we are tired of waiting. A legal battle is the last delay we need, especially when a smarter plan was already in place.

 This traffic problem could have been corrected a year ago if the new street was allowed to be installed as planned. The city spent 3 years to reach an agreement with a land owner to create a tree lined street with block walls, landscaping, and sidewalks on both sides for children to walk to and from school. It would not only be safer, but it would have higher traffic capacity without hazards to watch out for (our children). And this superior plan, that was supported by 2 other council members, staff, and the city attorney, came to a halt and the city stopped communicating at this councilman’s request.  The preferred street would start south of the school (on the east side of Lombardi St.) and would “S” curve to align with Castle Ave and Mathew.  See attached picture indicated in green. This street would be superior, because there wouldn’t be any cars backing into the path of the children walking to and from school. This is a safer, more logical route would meet the city’s transportation goals without cutting through private properties or harming our community. We believe city planning should prioritize safety, respect for residents, and responsible development over convenience over a single councilman’s political agenda.

 
As parents and neighbors, we stand together to urge the City Council to:

 
Reject the alternate proposal to extend Castle (from Lombardi to Mathew) through our bus staging area, and support the original, safer, and superior design with an “S” curve street we could have been driving on already.

Stand together to improve our city and keep our children safer, by signing this petition.