CDG writes in support of roundabout
February 25, 2010

The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group (CDG)/Main Street organization is taking a stand on Hwy. 30.

The CDG board of directors recently presented to the city council its preference for what should be done to improve Hwy. 30 in the corridor, specifically the intersections of Hwys. 30 and 1 and Hwy. 30 and 10th Avenue. The letter supports roundabouts.

The city has been awarded grant funding to improve the Hwys. 30 and 1 intersection, with two options being considered - signals or a roundabout. Also under way is discussion to improve Hwy. 30 overall in the city limits, particularly the intersection of Hwys. 30 and 10th Avenue (the main street leading to the school campus). The Iowa Department of Transportation indicates traffic counts aren't high enough for signals at that intersection, but a roundabout is a possibility.

The following is the letter sent by the CDG board of directors to city leaders.

Esteemed Mayor and Mount Vernon City Council:

The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group (CDG) is supportive of Alternative 2 for the Hwy. 1 / Hwy. 30 corridors as presented by Shive Hattery at an informational meeting on Feb. 4. Alternative 2 is an urban three-lane highway with roundabout intersections at Hwy. 1/10th Avenue and Hwy. 1 / Hwy. 30.

The board evaluated each alternative and believes that Alternative 2 provides the most benefits. An urban highway with curb and gutter and roundabouts would 1) calm traffic, 2) create pedestrian and trail connectivity, and 3) urbanize the Hwy. 30 corridor so that it is an integrated city street.

Alternative 2 would change the feel of Hwy. 30 as it passes through Mount Vernon. The roundabouts would ease traffic congestion, while at the same time slowing traffic. By slowing traffic, Alternative 2 would make Highway 30 safer and reduce the social and economic costs of traffic accidents. In addition, a curb and gutter street presented in Alternative 2 would enable Mount Vernon to plant trees and add sidewalks, trails and other beautification to the corridor. This would help alert passersby that they are entering a vibrant and distinct community where they can shop, dine, live or visit. In addition, Alternative 2 provides safer pedestrian and trail crossings, which better connects the south side of Hwy. 30 to the rest of the community.

Hwy. 1 and Hwy. 30 are important and valuable corridors that serve community residents and also bring business and visitors to the Mount Vernon community. We believe that Alternative 2 best supports our long-term vision for an interconnected community with safe and attractive entryways, a robust business community and a high quality of life.

Sincerely,

CDEG's Board of Directors

Ed Sauter

Rich Herrmann

Jennifer Miller

Brenda Langenberg

Dee Ann Rexroat

Karla Steffens-Moran

Kim Wolfe

Bill Micheel

Deb Herrmann