Here is what I wrote:
The recent Oakland Press editorial calling for construction of a new I-75 interchange in Troy pumped a lot of intellectual gas. Unfortunately, you gave your readers inaccurate directions to the wrong destination.
Your editorial states that Troy’s prosperity results from an “unnecessarily winding route” that gives a “vastly disproportionate” amount of access to I-75. By that convoluted reasoning, the City of Detroit should be the most prosperous City in Michigan! Obviously, the keys to Troy’s prosperity are more complicated than the mere fact that an expressway bisects our community.
The gist of the Oakland Press editorial is that the citizens of Troy are ignoring their regional responsibilities. However, that is not demonstrated by the facts. In fact, the taxpayers of Troy have been very generous in supporting an excellent system of roads that service not just our residents but also a large number of commuters who either work in our City or who traverse through our boundaries on their way to other destinations. In spite of an inequitable and inefficient State transportation funding formula, Troy taxpayers have supported a City road system that benefits our region and our state.
The Oakland Press editorial states that the Long Lake exit project would relieve congestion throughout the city by adding access to surface streets. However, keep in mind that the City of Troy is currently accessible from five different interchanges on I-75. The proposed Long Lake interchange would be less than one mile south from the existing Crooks Road exit. Sure, pouring ever more concrete will generally relieve congestion, but at what cost? The responsible use of the taxpayer dollar means that we always look at both costs and benefits. Does the Oakland Press really believe that City government should sign a blank check just because it’s a road project?
The interchange project will not be funded solely by Federal and State dollars. The proposed interchange will cost Troy taxpayers at least $2 million. This investment by Troy taxpayers for a regional transportation project will be required in spite of ongoing cutbacks in State revenue sharing. Will the quality of life in Troy be better served by allocating $2 million of our local tax dollars for an interstate highway interchange or by spending our limited funds for parks, sidewalks, and road repairs?
The other costs for this interchange project are not financial. They go to the very heart of what it means to be a community with values. What kind of a City would forcibly seize the property of the White Chapel Cemetery for improving access to an interstate highway? What kind of a City would adversely impact the lives of nearby residential neighborhoods for the possibility that we might “shave” three minutes off someone’s commuting time?
The voters of Troy have expressed their opinion at the ballot box that they prefer to spend their tax dollars on other projects rather than an interstate highway interchange. That’s not surrendering to “parochial preference.” That’s called the democratic process.
Dave Lambert
Councilmember, City of Troy
Web: http://www.dave.lambert.net
Blog: http://blog.dave.lambert.net
