Text Box: Questionnaire Responses Continued From Page Seven
Text Box: promoting a Missouri River pedestrian/bicycle bridge, but I am under no illusion that reduced traffic flow will result from those improvements.  A more promising avenue for 
                (Continued on Next Page)
reducing traffic might be to continue encouraging revitalization of downtown and surrounding environs – making it possible for people to live and work in the same neighborhood.  
Jane Smith: The city could further encourage pedestrian safety and reduce traffic by improving sidewalks and offering bike lanes and bike parking. 
Jim Penfold: I think the city needs to re-examine its position on sidewalks.  We need good sidewalks throughout the city, not just a Greenway and near schools.  I believe that sidewalks should be required as part of new residential and commercial developments.  Additionally, sidewalks, crossing zones and pedestrian controls on traffic signals should be added in some areas, such as along the Missouri Boulevard.  I also believe that the city should institute a long-term program of sidewalk repair and replacement.  Many sidewalks in older neighborhoods are in such disrepair that it is safer to walk in the street. 
     It is my understanding that Jefferson City’s population swells by almost 15,000 people each week day – people commuting into the city for work.  While improvements can be made to city bus service, this alone will not address nor reduce traffic congestion resulting from commuting.  Other cities have encouraged staggered work hours, carpooling, scheduled one-way traffic on certain arterial streets (i.e., in during the morning, out during the evening), computer controlled traffic signals, not providing convenient parking for employees and restricting parking near workplaces and schools, developing remote parking areas served by shuttle buses and similar measures.  Such measures should be examined and implemented where beneficial.  
Joe Wilson: Look at roadways with common sense and construct new roads only where transportation needs require, not commercial needs.  An “expressway” with seven stoplights? A Cloverleaf on the south side of the Bridge that was a total farce, and now portions are closed. Same with the curve at the Madison St. exit that has resulted in untold accidents. 
Pete Oetting: They are encouraging pedestrian traffic by extending sidewalks, making developers put in new sidewalks, and extending the greenway (which I have voted to do). Continuing the service of public transportation is another way to improve pedestrian safety. Possibly when Highway 179 is extended, we can start Text Box: incorporating extra space for bicycles such as a bicycle lane. Emphasizing driving safely, reducing distractions when driving, and
encouraging alertness where there are likely to be pedestrians are community goals.
Do you think land use planning inside Jefferson City and in adjoining areas is adequate? Why or why not?  
Ron Medin: I can’t really comment on the adequacy of planning for new development, but I think we could do better at planning for redevelopment in our aging neighborhoods.  Too often we are faced with the false dilemma of allowing structures to fall into disrepair or tearing them down for new development. We need to look for ways to redevelop properties that can build upon our past where possible but also recognizes that sometimes we must yield to the needs of the present and the future.  I’ve recently been working with River City Habitat for Humanity in acquiring and rehabilitating twelve substandard properties scattered throughout the community.  The City of Jefferson has been a partner in those efforts and can do even more in the future.
Jane Smith:  I believe that the City’s planning staff is quite professional. I would encourage them to communicate answers, not data and to provide information in a clear, consistent and meaningful format. 
Jim Penfold: I am concerned about how readily the city allows conversion of older single family residences to multiple-family structures and the effect that this has on the neighborhoods.  The stability of these areas and their property values are negatively affected, and there tends to be increased crime and public safety needs.  I also believe that the city too readily allows mixing of commercial, industrial and residential uses without adequate zones of separation.  The areas adjoining the city in Cole County and Callaway County, in my opinion, would benefit from planning and zoning controls.
Joe Wilson: Last census showed the City has grown in population by nearly 1,000, while the County has doubled in the last five year and matches the City at approximately 40,000. There’s a reason, but our elected leaders don’t seem to get the message. Forced annexation attempts, of which I am opposed, have failed. When people send a message, “Why don’t we want to live in Jefferson City?”, common sense dictates looking at the truth. I do feel both areas should be viewed on much the same level rather than town vs. rural.
Pete Oetting: No I don't think the planning inside the JC area is adequate in areas of adjoining areas because