To the editor:

I cannot believe that city commissioners have chosen to launch new expensive, over-budget projects when no one is looking, a common practice many politicians use to their advantage these days. During a pandemic, they consider incentives and other rewards for an affordable mixed-use housing project and once again embark on the costly, unnecessary bicycle boulevard on 21st Street! What are they thinking?

We have streets and sidewalks galore that need repairs immediately! Is the leadership saying that an expensive $400,000-plus project to turn a street into a bicycle boulevard is more important than, say, fixing streets so that cars and drivers can suffer a little less wear-and-tear? City streets have been under assault for years, with unnecessary, over-the-top projects taking precedence over routine maintenance. Where is the foresight of the city leaders during a pandemic that is not only decimating the lives of people but also businesses? Does Lawrence really have that much money to squander on a bicycle boulevard when so many other streets that carry much more traffic are riddled with bump surfaces and holes? Come on, city commissioners! Do your jobs and fix our streets. Forget your pet projects, like the “bicycle boulevard!” How can you even begin to project how much money will be in the city’s coffer while things are so uncertain with businesses failing and people unemployed? Wait until people can attend your meetings and not digitally!

Leslie J. Mills,

Lawrence