To the editor:

We live at 19th and Barker and read your Aug. 15 editorial with interest. The statement attributed to the city that neighbors “prefer a roundabout” inaccurately reflects our preferences. It would seem sensible to have better law enforcement, a two-way stop, stop ahead signs or do nothing at all. However, the city has made it quite clear that any option that does not require hundreds of thousands of dollars from the taxpayers is not viable.

We would prefer that the intersection be left alone. The city claims that the traffic volume and number of accidents require action. But the few accidents are minor fender-benders and the per-vehicle accident rate is virtually zero. Because people run stop signs and occasionally hit each other, Lawrence will be spending $550,000 for “traffic calming” in this area.

The Barker neighborhood was given only two options. One was to build a traffic light with left-turn lanes in both directions, tear out all of the trees along Barker and significantly widen both streets leading to the intersection. The other was a roundabout. So the “choice” of a roundabout was the lesser of two evils.

We have been told repeatedly that Lawrence residents love roundabouts. We really hope you enjoy driving in circles. The next time you run a stop sign, remember that you and others like you cost the residents of Lawrence more than half a million dollars. And be careful not to do it anywhere else the city will add yet another roundabout.

Erik and LeaMarie Herron,

Lawrence