Comments for Johnston Street Smart at http://www.acadianabusiness.com , comment 1 to 4 out of 4 comments http://www.acadianabusiness.com Mon, 20 May 2013 07:46:59 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://www.acadianabusiness.com/business-cover/4095#comment-608 Great article. I particularly appreciate Reed Andrus� pragmatic approach to the problem. Obviously the Johnston 116 foot right of way proposal by UL�s Community Design Workshop would be extraordinary but not practical in respect to the negative impact it would have on existing businesses. Redevelopment of the Johnston Street economic corridor within the existing right of way will be very expensive and difficult but certainly achievable. Burying the electrical distribution system will be a major cost. The rehabilitation of Johnston Street offers a very valuable lesson to be learned�that proper planning in the design of new arterials and streets would result in huge savings to the taxpayers. It is my understanding that the recently completed Camellia Boulevard Extension from Kaliste Saloom Road to Verot School Road was constructed with no underground electrical distribution infrastructure. I find that very disturbing, as it flies in the face of what we all now know because of the disaster that is Johnston Street. I am concerned that Camellia Boulevard and other roadways such as Ambassador Caffery Extension (not to mention any in the future) will offer great transportation benefits but will have overhead power lines, electrical transformers on power poles and offer the same appearance and problems as Johnston Street. Proper planning dictates the installation of subsurface water, sanitary sewer and electrical when new roads are constructed. So why are we repeating past mistakes? I certainly realize that installing underground electrical service has an initial higher cost than overhead service. But the reliability and recovery time after a storm will result in savings to businesses, both of which have great value. I am convinced that doing it right the first time will eventually save taxpayers money and be a great investment in the overall appearance and appeal of our community. Let's not pay a premium to fix later what we can do correctly today. You know what they say about those who cannot learn from history: They�re doomed to repeat it. - Kirby Pecot Mon, 06 Apr 2009 12:43:52 +0100 http://www.acadianabusiness.com/business-cover/4095#comment-524 I think Mr. Andrus' plan is the best alternative to date. The overhead lines and the clutter of signs is a huge eyesore. I hope all the people who are going to criticize this plan have an alternative. - ChrisMD Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:09:19 +0100 http://www.acadianabusiness.com/business-cover/4095#comment-478 My only concerns would be: (1) Wouldn't turning Johnston St. into a boulevard increase the capacity considerably? (2) What would the stretch between Camellia Blvd. and Ambassador Caffery look like? That is easily the ugliest part of Johnston Street. I would consider myself a purist in that I think turning Johnston into a boulevard is the best option. However, I know that there are numerous problems with that plan and understand the need to scale it back. - Stuart Wed, 25 Mar 2009 14:29:32 +0100 http://www.acadianabusiness.com/business-cover/4095#comment-474 I have been a member of the Johnston Street Redevelopment Group since it's inception. I think Mr. Andrus plan is more workable and it has my backing! - Jim Rogers Wed, 25 Mar 2009 10:32:02 +0100