Save Fresno

1. Wozniacka, Gosia. Fresno moving to tear up historic pedestrian mall. (Sept. 29, 2013) The Sacramento Bee. http://www.sacbee.com/2013/09/28/5776241/fresno-moving-to-tear-up-historic.html

2. Category of issue: individuals

3. Level of issue: state

4. This article concerns: Fresno's city officials are trying to tear down roads of the historic mall to create more streets for transportation for individuals.

5. Why is this important to individuals? This affects individuals due to this possibly changing up the economy in Fresno. This could allow for more job opportunities if more transportation is enabled. This is still undergoing review so there is potential for this not to pass.

6. My opinion: Honestly, I think this could do some good for residents of the area in Fresno. Seeing that the economy is sitting on thin ice in California, this could open up transportation for jobs and expanding that market. With the popularity of the area, it could increase taxi services for those who do not have means of transportation, also property taxes and parking meter revenues to go back into the city’s pocket. Giving more transportation to the area would also bring about more business to the local shops and restaurants in that area which could only result in a thrive of sales for them as owners of the businesses.  There are pros to this proposal but at the same time, this could almost hurt Fresno. More traffic leads to more accidents. By having a mall strip that is limited to pedestrian crossings only, it reduces the number of car accidents with pedestrians, yet making it safer for individuals and families in the area. The addition to motor vehicles would also contribute to the pollution in the area as well when I feel as if most states are trying to promote the whole  “go green” status. The city was awarded with a grant of $16 million to dig up the mall and create the auto traffic. I just feel as if there are other better options for using that grant. Their idea definitely has their pros and cons, so I feel as if there is something that could be in more favor of all factors. Perhaps they take that grant to help small businesses relocate to commercial buildings to bring about more business, especially ones that are on the rise and may not have the financial means to relocate.