Hurrah for the traffic calming features of Macon Avenue

Posted on by Steve Woolum

As a resident of Longchamps (the adopter of the street program for Macon Avenue), I want to go on record as a big fan of the traffic-calming measures that have been installed on my street. In fact, we need one more hump closer to the Grove Park Inn, so that last stretch doesn't get the gas pedal floored. The sidewalk is a blessing after years of near sideswipes by hesitant tourists unused to winding roads. I love the planters in the middle and can see how great the evergreens at the foot of Macon will look in a few years. Many thanks to Ken Putnam, who studied our situation and took much time with the neighborhood, as well as City Council for supporting his findings.

I do not travel Kimberly Avenue or Edwin Place as much, so I will leave it to the residents on those streets to hash that out — but a word of advice to those who seem unable to manage the islands and bump outs: Slow down.

As for Jerry Sternberg's comment [Commentary, "Traffic Calming," Sept. 15] regarding the city's eventually having to take over maintenance of the planters — I highly doubt it, at least on Macon Avenue. It is a street blessed with many gardeners!

— Steve Woolum
Asheville

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

About Webmaster
Mountain Xpress Webmaster Follow me @MXWebTeam
View all posts by Webmaster →

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

4 thoughts on “Hurrah for the traffic calming features of Macon Avenue”

  1. Jacq

    I’m confused, do homeowners in West Asheville pay property taxes or do we not? What do we gotta do to get some sidewalks over here? I guess its no big deal if W. Asheville children get hit by speeding cars just as long as the desirable neighborhoods are safe. PLEASE!

  2. Mister Blister

    Such a progressive city needs sidewalks. I get tired of almost getting hit, and not being able to walk around at night without some sort of flashlight or reflective clothing.

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.