[Durham INC] FW: Alston Widening

[Barry Ragin]

"I respect the opinions of other people who *do not want or see no need 
for improvements* to Alston Avenue."

It's not clear to me that these are the only options being discussed 
regarding Alston Avenue. I believe that alternatives to NCDOT's proposed 
design of the Alston Ave. widening project have been put forth.

Barry Ragin

On 12/18/10 8:52 AM, Tom Miller wrote:
>
> Here are comments from Don Yarboro about Alston Avenue.  I still have 
> very serious misgivings about the project and I reject completely that 
> we should do the project simply because DOT is offer to pay for it.  
>  But, as we study the widening issue, I suggest that we invite someone 
> from the NECD to share their views officially.
>
> Tom
>
> *From:*Donald Yarboro [mailto:donaldtms at hotmail.com]
> *Sent:* Friday, December 17, 2010 1:42 PM
> *To:* tom-miller1 at nc.rr.com
> *Subject:* Alston Widening
>
> Good Afternoon Tom,
>
> I hope you and your family are enjoying the best of health and 
> prosperity this Christmas season. I enjoyed reading the article in the 
> Durham News about Alston Avenue and wanted to weigh in on the positive 
> side of the widening of Alston Avenue.  I write to you as a lifelong 
> resident of Durham, a former resident of the neighborhood and a major 
> stakeholder in Northeast Central Durham.  During the past four years I 
> have served on the Northeast Central Durham Leadership Council.  The 
> Council is a citizen body made up of NECD homeowners, business owners, 
> city staff and long tenure neighborhood activates.  The council feels 
> it is in the best interest of NECD to move forward with the widening 
> of Alston Avenue. Pac 1 has also voted to support the widening of 
> Alston Avenue. Ernie Mills of the Durham Rescue Mission is in favor of 
> the widening.  The widening of Alston Avenue is a need not a want for 
> the safety and security of the neighborhood.  The NCDOT says that the 
> accident rate on this section of Alston Avenue is some of the highest 
> in the state. The new widening will make the road safer for traffic 
> and pedestrians.
>
> NECD has a bright future and the widening will enhance the perception 
> of the neighborhood.  When you ride from Hwy 147 (Durham 
> Expressway) north to Holloway Street you encounter many blighted 
> non historical and non conforming properties showing years of 
> neglect.  The widening will justly compensate the owners for their 
> property and this blight will be removed.  I experience 
> this firsthand when my customers arrive at our building and have 
> already formed a negative opinion of the neighborhood.
>
> The widening will have a positive effect on the short and long 
> term economic situation in the neighborhood.  I remember when NECD had 
> four banks.  Today there are none.  NECD was the leader in 
> manufacturing for many years but most companies pulled out.  NECD 
> needs jobs for their residents.  Economic activity will have a better 
> chance to move forward with the widening of Alston Avenue.
>
> Debate and discussion is healthy for any major change to a 
> neighborhood.  I respect the opinions of other people who do not want 
> or see no need for improvements to Alston Avenue. I  hope the the 
> above discussion points will help give you some of the positive 
> attributes of the Alston widening.  I speak only for myself in this 
> email.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Donald Yarboro
>
>
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