To the editor:

Regarding the Oct. 25 editorial on expanding 27th Street:

Adding a second entrance to the YSC is not the issue; running the second entrance along the Mutt Run Dog Park is.

The city opted for the low-cost alternative, running the second entrance along Mutt Run rather than seeking an alternative route by extending Wakarusa south to North 1200 Road or extending 27th Street westward parallel to the existing bike path to East 900 Road.

What was most apparent in the Oct. 20 City Commission meeting was the poor decision-making processes of previous commissions. Specifically, the hiring of an ill-prepared police chief and extension of a 27th Street along the Mutt Run park by “publicizing” city staff work rather than “engaging” the citizens of Lawrence on the needs, wants and concerns. One the commission is seeking to rectify; the other it is kicking down the road.

Amenities will not replace the open, safe, tranquil place for women, seniors and all citizens of Lawrence to walk their dogs. The road will destroy trees, wildlife crossings and increase congestion in the dog park by eliminating 70% of the access to the Mutt Runs trails. The law of unintended consequences will bring more vehicle traffic to the dog park, endangering people and pets.

I urge you to check your facts about the borders of the Mutt Run. Perhaps join us one morning to work off one of your restaurant reports. There is clearly a sign denoting the northeast border of the Mutt Run. It is a few yards from the bridge at the current end of 27th Street.

You are right, an intersection with 50% higher accident rate than Kansas average must be corrected. The health and safety of all citizens is our civic responsibility. Improvement of one resource at the expense of another is unacceptable.

Ed Bailey-Mershon,

Lawrence