Moving ahead on big projects
Ever grow weary of all the problems, roadblocks and speed bumps life puts in our way? We do, too. But sometimes you just have to look around to see people bypassing these difficulties and making things happen. It was fun reading this week about several people not only overcoming setbacks, but also looking for ways large and small to make life better.
Have your say on the right way
It’s encouraging to see public projects – especially big public projects – gaining traction. Two significant projects launch their official talking stages next week. First up is the south county corridor, a four-lane road linking Turlock’s burgeoning businesses to Interstate 5. There will be three meetings (all at 6:30 p.m.), Wednesday in Newman (938 Fresno St.), Thursday in Turlock (156 S. Broadway), and Jan. 28 in Patterson (1033 Las Palmas). This roadway is only 18 miles, but a very important link for anyone who moves things by truck.
Modesto’s Seventh Street Bridge is a century old and graced with iconic lion statues, but it is woefully inadequate for modern traffic. It needs to be replaced, but officials want it to be something special. We do, too. The state is expected to provide the bulk of the funding. And remember, the state spent $6.4 billion to build a striking replacement for the Bay Bridge. Being a more modest community, and having a bridge only a tenth the size (1,100 feet), we can probably do with only a tenth of that amount. An informational meeting will be in the basement at 1010 10th Street at 6 p.m., Thursday.
Both of these projects will create discussion and disagreement. That’s fine. The important part is that we’re getting something done; we’re moving. We’ve been sheltering in place for too long, unwilling to take on big projects with big benefits. We’re glad the courthouse (its location notwithstanding) is progressing; we’re hopeful a suitable route can be chosen for the north county corridor, and we’re glad these projects are being planned. And no, we don’t think either is a clever ruse to build enthusiasm for a countywide transportation tax. But what would be wrong with having the resources that allow us to not only dream big but also build big?
Looking for lovely projects
Love Modesto is looking for projects for this year’s giant self-improvement festival, April 18. Started in 2009, Love Modesto brings people together for community fix-it projects. It draws thousands of volunteers to work on roughly 60 worthy projects on a single day, starting with a downtown street fair. The program has grown to at least 40 cities statewide, and in October, the organization became an official nonprofit with Jeff Pishney as director. He launched the program while working as a pastor at Big Valley Community Church. The expansion has been more than geographic. There are now love our neighborhoods, love our schools and love all our kids projects. To submit a project, go to http://lovemodesto.com. You can also donate at the same site.
A fitting pyrotechnic showcase
We’re glad Turlock’s annual fireworks show is moving back to the Stanislaus State campus. The show was kept alive by moving it to the Stanislaus County Fairground for five years after the CSU campus cut it to save money. Having fireworks at the campus will make it an entirely family-friendly event with music, picnicking and room for kids to romp. Forgoing any alcohol sales will help keep all the fireworks in the sky and off the ground.
This story was originally published January 9, 2015 at 4:24 PM with the headline "Moving ahead on big projects."