Palmer needs help from residents to move forward

I am going to begin by thanking the Palmer Downtown Merchants. These folks came together and demonstrated to the Department of Transportation and the Palmer City Council that alternatives exist to one-way streets in downtown Palmer.

In 2007, The DOT presented the council with four choices to alleviate traffic congestion and improve safety on the east end of the Palmer-Wasilla Highway, including Evergreen Avenue. The choices ranged from doing nothing to creating one-way east-bound traffic on Evergreen and extending Dogwood Avenue as a one-way street west to Hemmer Road. The one-way option had previously been approved by the borough assembly after two public hearings (a portion of the project lies outside of the city of Palmer) and was also approved, again after two public hearings, by the city of Palmer Planning and Zoning Commission. The city council also held two public hearings and, at the time, felt that the one-way option as being the most desirable of the four.

When the DOT began holding public hearings, the Downtown Merchants brought their concerns to the council regarding loss of business and safety issues. They even paid for another expert traffic manager from Georgia to testify before the council. Both the DOT and the council were open to alternatives that resulted in a resolution by the council to overturn the decision of 2007 and create an advisory board working with DOT to arrive at a solution to the traffic problems while maintaining two-way streets in downtown Palmer. This process continues as of this writing. This entire issue was accomplished with respect and dignity.

One of the chief complaints from the merchants and others was they never before heard of the traffic plans. Although this was published six times and appeared on the city’s web-site, the message did not get through. The city is taking steps to make public notices of agenda item more accessible by distributing the agenda at chamber and Rotary meetings as well as City Hall. The council meets every second and fourth Tuesday of every month. There is also usually a special meeting on the third Tuesday.

I am asking the Downtown Merchants and all citizens to visit the city’s Web site; www.cityofpalmer.org on the Fridays before the council meetings. Print out the agenda for the following Tuesday. If applicable, place the agenda where others can view it. It takes only a few minutes and will help tremendously to, “get the word out.” It is up to each of us whether or not to become involved in local policymaking. Please, get involved and stay involved. After all, the council is made up of seven citizens who are trying their best to do what is right for the community. We need your input to help us arrive at the best possible course of action.

John Combs is the mayor of Palmer.