My letter to the editor did not mention the bike lanes for Lindsey Street , but to be clear the widening will meet the standards of a “Complete Street”. ADA sidewalks and bike paths are included.

NORMAN — Editor, The Transcript

I am writing in response to the letter of August 1st, concerning the bond election. I am reminded of Senator Moynihan who said “You’re entitled to your own opinions but you’re not entitled to your own facts.” Let me make sure the facts are clear.

The widening plan is an approved ACOG (Association of Central Oklahoma Governments) project, they are charged with distribution of federal road funds in the metropolitan area. Federal funding approval is not in question. A Lindsey Street improvement was last voted on by the public on May 1970 and lost by only 144 votes. There was a more recent discussion of widening Lindsey, at that time it was opposed by the West Lindsey Street merchants. I have met several times with business and property owners on Lindsey to listen to and address their concerns. Currently the organizer of that group is a leading proponent of this bond issue.

I have been involved with this proposal from its inception and have participated in its change. At no time was any representative of the University of Oklahoma present nor was there any plans given to us other than by the design consultant who met with the business owners for their input, and a version of that plan by a business owner. While I would presume the University is supportive of the public safety improvements and even the aesthetic improvements to Lindsey Street, it was the property owners on Lindsey who asked for the landscaping and other items which are included in the proposal.

The plan will not route water under Lindsey to the South-side solution of Lake McGee. The plan takes the water to the river by going West on Lindsey and then, South along I-35. It will solve flooding for not only “Lake McGee” but also flooding along McGee which goes past Marion Street, also on Wylie Street and Lindsey itself. Briggs Street area flooding and Imhoff Creek will also get relief from this project.

There are no plans to add four lanes to Lindsey Street past Berry, in fact the new bridge over Imhoff Creek is proposed to be only three lanes. Nor is there such a plan for Berry Street.

I cannot imagine that there would be support for it.

This project is about our neighbors, who are affected by the flooding. Since Whittier first opened the flooding has caused; kids to wade through the water to get home, and access problems for at least three churches, numerous businesses and homes. This is not just an inconvenience, but a matter of public safety, because emergency vehicles cannot get through the flooded streets. So why not solve this problem when we can do it for half the expense and at a time that will cause the least impact to businesses?

Please join me in voting yes on August 28.