June 2015 Chair Report

[caption id="attachment_1196" align="alignleft" width="107"] Amy Barry[/caption] I want to use this month's chair report to update you on a bunch of little projects that may not get a feature in our newsletter, but I field a lot of questions on throughout each month. The official ribbon cutting for monument plaza is scheduled for June 12th at 5:30 pm. I am excited for our new pedestrian place, but we are already seeing damage from skateboarders. The benches, bike racks and brand new functioning fountain feature are being damaged. No skateboarding signs have been erected at either end of the monument. However, monitoring will take all of us. If you see skateboarders please call the police to report it 801-799-3000 is the non-emergency number.  Let's work together to keep our plaza in the best repair possible so we ALL can enjoy it. I am happy to write that the operation hours for the S Line will be extended at the end of August to match the hours for the Trax train schedule. That means you can utilize the streetcar to get downtown and not be stranded after 9:00 p.m.

May 2015 Monthly Chair Report

[caption id="attachment_1196" align="alignleft" width="107"] Amy Barry[/caption] Even though it is snowing as I begin this month's chair report I wanted to focus on the move into spring. I wanted to focus on the rise of outdoor activities in Sugar House and highlight pedestrian safety. We live in an area that experiences high volumes of traffic, especially during rush hour. I realize motorists complain about the traffic and how long it takes to move along 1300 E and 2100 S, but I would like to remind everyone that these arterial roads are adjacent to residential areas. It is a balance between moving vehicles and providing safe walking routes for residents. I don't think we've found that balance as I regularly get emails from people complaining about various crosswalk areas being unsafe for pedestrians. More people are out walking and riding bicycles as the weather warms up. The issue of pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility. Drivers need to pay extra attention to pedestrian crosswalks. Every day I see a car drive right through when a pedestrian is either ready to step out or in the crosswalk! Likewise pedestrians need to respect these rules and refrain from jaywalking because they don't want to walk a little ways to the designated crosswalk.

April 2015 Monthly Chair Report

[caption id="attachment_1196" align="alignleft" width="107"] Amy Barry[/caption] I admit that I have been anxiously waiting to be able to write about the opening of monument plaza or at the very least the removal of the fencing. The construction in the business district has been a lot to live through and I, for one am glad to see some relief in sight. When the construction fences came down on the monument I did a little jig (in my head) of joy. I am reminded about the diverse views of our community by the variety of comments surrounding the creation of monument plaza. This project is a reflection of the Sugar House Master Plan, which was a community effort. The city and SHCC look to this document to guide us. This is another prime example of why your participation matters.  We are advocating to SLC Planning that it is time to update our master plan to reflect what has been accomplished and the changes we've experienced. When that time comes I hope many step up to be part of that process.