President's Message - June 2002

Tom Halleran
President

Greetings neighbors,

I hope all of you are well and enjoying spring 2002.

Something is really bothering me about the way our Mayor does business. Generally he says that he is interested in the revitalization of Downtown Salt Lake and that in order to bring about the changes that will make this a vibrant downtown community we must attempt to reduce the traffic and congestion on the streets.

I agree with this, as being one of the steps that will result in a more attractive environment for citizens to shop, dine and attend entertainment events that are being scheduled. The problem I am having is that there is no shortage of parking in downtown at this time, and by making more parking available, on Third South for example, you are encouraging people to drive rather than use mass transit.

The Mayor has embarked on an approach that will turn Third South into a chaotic situation. It is only marginally helpful in providing more parking spaces and creates pedestrian dangers and challenges for all the residents of American Towers, as well as those who patronize the commercial establishments in our buildings, to enter and leave the parking garage safely.

To make matters worse, on your behalf I contacted our City Council Person, Nancy Saxton, to discuss my concern that the largest number of downtown residents at a single location were not consulted prior to the announcement being made in the newspaper. Ms. Saxton was very polite and listened to my concerns regarding the intended changes to 300 South. She informed me that the Mayor had not discussed these changes with her before he decided to go ahead with this approach and announced his intentions in the Salt Lake Tribune. She promised me that she would speak directly to the Mayor the evening of my phone call. She was attending a board workshop that same evening. Ms. Saxton committed that she would telephone me the next day and "explain what she had learned". It has been approximately two weeks and I have not heard from her.

The changes have been enacted and we may have to live with this. Or at least until Election Day! (If you get my drift!) All I can say is that I am sure Betsy Bradley would not have let this happen without getting a good explanation and getting back to us as promised. Time to dust off the campaign buttons Betsy?

Your comments are always welcome.

Sincerely,

Tom Halleran,
2202N