To the editor:

I was happy to see the letter from Dick Seeboth about the reconfiguration of the Center Street and Garden Street intersection. It is a waste of taxpayer money for an intersection that has great traffic except for 15-20 minutes in the morning and afternoon, but only 170 days a year.

If safety is the concern, they should do something about the situation at the school itself. I’ve watched.

The traffic when school lets out a few times. Students and parents cross Payne Street jumping out between cars. Cars are making U-turns in the middle of the block. I would suggest that they close the exits for Garden Street to traffic. Do not allow parking on Payne Street and make a one way entrance on the south side of Jr. High and a one way outbound on the north side of the elementary school. Parents can park in the parking lot and the students can walk safely to the cars.

It may take a little longer to get out, but it will be safer. Don’t forget you have the option to ride the bus. We are already paying taxes for that service.

A couple years ago the City Council granted the permit for the new apartments on Highland. Some people were concerned about the increase in traffic and the City Council stated that wouldn’t be a problem because Highland Avenue could be easily made into a four lane street. Center Street is a great four lane and yet you want to make it a two lane just to add two roundabouts.

Roundabouts are good for vehicle safety but there is no control for pedestrian traffic that a stop light provides for the students walking to school. The tunnel that you propose would require students going to school to cross Garden Street twice which doesn’t sound to safe to me.

Jerry Guggisberg

New Ulm