To the editor:

So much discussion and debate on the South Lawrence Trafficway. My 11-year old son mentioned to his dad a solution for traffic-calming issues. How about a stoplight at 31st Street and Louisiana? My husband thought it seemed so logical that he wondered why nothing had been done like that before now. I don’t know if there is a reason that a traffic light could not be installed there, but at 5 p.m., when the traffic is bumper to bumper, a light allowing the cars to go through on 31st would work better than a four-way stop. It sure would be cheaper than building the SLT. Oh well, I guess spending the extra money for the trafficway will make us look like a more progressive community which I guess is what everyone wants.

I also hope that in the spirit of progress that we don’t trample down those things which have made Lawrence what it is. The history, tradition and community feeling seem to be disappearing as we try to impress those who don’t even have an long-term investment in our town. I know growth is good, but I don’t know that people realize that Lawrence is growing east as well.

As hard decisions are made to close down schools, those in power should drive over to the 15th and Lindenwood area. There is a whole new community of homes there and also out south near Prairie Park. I realize the thinking is that the growth is happening in the northwest area of Lawrence, but check out the southeast area of town as well. I am very relieved that the closings are not due to happen anytime soon and I hope the change will be very gradual and take into consideration as much as it can before the public will be willing to “roll with the punches.”

Julie Rea,

Lawrence