Re: ‘Stop signs make bad situation worse’ (Letters, PQB News, July 4)
This is my third letter to the editor in the 28 years that my wife and I have lived here in French Creek. I would please request that people speak only for themselves when writing, not “most” “all” or “many”.
My wife and I believe the road change necessary over the longer term:
1. Development on Ackerman and Wembley road increased traffic when that subdivision was built.
2. The road initially planned years ago to connect at the lights at Stanhope and the Island Hwy became a no-go, for whatever reason, leaving the only egress from the new subdivision at Esslinger and Ackerman then up Ackerman to Wembley, or winding through the French Creek subdivision (unlikely).
3. The new development going in at the bottom of Esslinger and Ackerman, we believe around 20 new homes, will most definitely increase traffic to the new three way stop at Ackerman and Wembley. The only other exit other than Ackerman as noted, is through French Creek Village.
Drivers doubtfully, will go through the French Creek village subdivision towards Oceanside School to have to then come back to Church road to reach either the mall or the Inland highway.
4. Putting the three-way in now will hopefully get drivers used to the stops before that increase. We have already experienced drivers running the stop sign.
During our tenure here, we have seen stop lights, new schools, new subdivisions go in around our area which sadly, has also removed wildlife habitat.
It’s easy to say draw up the bridge to the Island once you arrive as many would wish to do. Growth to our area is and has been inevitable, change has been the one guarantee in our lives.
Are we happy with it all? No. However, we try to look at the bigger picture of having as well-managed growth as possible to accommodate the onslaught and barrage of many Baby Boomers wishing to do as we, to live in paradise.
Brian Cullingworth
Parksville