As we are planning what to do with Wilson; narrowing, slowing, calming, rebuilding, developing, etc,
driveability, not walkability should the number one goal. Wilson is not near a school or a shopping district, and although people cross to get to the bike path and Estabrook Park, the foot traffic is nowhere near as heavy as other parts of the Village. As such, walkability could potentially be a second priority, with potentially some pedestrian enhancements such as crosswalks Cyclist safety (bikeability?) is maybe a distant third, given the ready access to the bikepath, about 20 feet from the road.
But cars should come first on Wilson. Wilson Dr. is the Lake Drive of the west side of Shorewood, in the sense that it is the primary entrance and exit route for a whole section of the Village. If you narrow the road too much; slow, calm, and stop traffic too much, drivers will start using our quiet, residential streets as alternate routes. This will detract from the walkability of the side streets, where people actually do want to walk.
Whatever reconstruction plan is chosen, keep in mind that many of us in my neighborood want to drive on Wilson, not just be able to cross it safely on foot. Perhaps more importantly, we also want other drivers to continue to drive on Wilson, rather than using Woodruff, Kensington, Sheffield, Congress, etc.
Although I have strongly advocated walkability for Oakland Ave and our school areas, driveability wins the day on Wilson Drive.
Comments1. "Finally! A voice of reason. Let's hope our elected and unelected officials take notice and respond accordingly. Great work on exploring this issue, Steve."
- Anonymous, 5/8/07
