By MaryHelen Swanson

Try sneaking down Elm Street to bypass the heavy traffic on Hwy. 95 during peak traffic hours and youíll see why there is a need for road improvements.

The roads are narrow, full of holes and often difficult to maneuver with two vehicles meeting in the middle of the block.
One of the roads, noted a resident from the area, is already called ìPatch Avenue.î

The area north of Hwy. 95 and west of Forest Blvd. is known as Northwest Old Town, the ìoldî meaning street improvements have been long in coming.

The area has no curb and gutter and no sidewalk. But the folks attending the meeting this week werenít asking for them either.
One resident of the area said he believes he speaks for most all of those living there - no sidewalks!

To install sidewalks would mean removal of mature trees on either side of Elm and probably other streets.

Another resident noted that there wouldnít be any yard left.

But this week a preliminary feasibility report was presented to the council addressing reconstruction of streets, storm sewer, sanitary sewer and watermain along Cedar and Elm streets and 12th, 11th and 10th avenues. And it included 6í sidewalks.

The proposed project is a council initiated project, primarily that of Councilwoman Kathy Blomquist who also lives in the neighborhood.

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