New Berlin Citizens for Responsible Government

Four Lanes on Calhoun will be Too Much

New Berlin Citizens for Responsible Government believes the recommended upgrade of
Calhoun Road to four lanes at a cost of $18,004,996, is premature, unnecessary, and wastes our money. We believe option 1 for two-lane construction with additional lanes at major intersections serves the need well over the next 5 years because:

1. The four-lane capacity of 24,000 vehicles per day is the projected need in 2028! It is premature to build to projections 20 years hence. Overbuilding now means we will pay to maintain it for 20 years before (and if) it is ever fully utilized.

2. Much of the justification for the 4-lane construction is to prepare for a possible interchange at I-94 and Calhoun in Brookfield. New Berlin has several years to learn if that will be implemented. The state and county will likely subsidize 4-lane construction at that time.

3. The State of Wisconsin and Waukesha County have denied support of this Calhoun Road project. Thus only New Berlin citizens will pay for it.

4. The traffic volumes on Calhoun were measured at 14,700 vehicles per day in 2003. That includes the temporary increase in motorcycle traffic during the Harley-Davidson anniversary. New data MUST be obtained.

5. For comparison, we inquired about Cleveland Avenue. Volumes vary from 13,600 vehicles per day just east of Moorland to 13,100 closer to Sunnyslope. A Waukesha County criterion is to widen from a two lane highway to a four lane when volumes reach 13,000 vehicles per day. Thus while Cleveland is now operating at “capacity”, only moderate delays occur during rush-hour periods.

6. All of the options include $1,700,000 just for the additional property and construction of sidewalks for the “alternate transportation”. Most people are not in favor of funding this aspect, based on the comments at a recent meeting at City Hall. Few would utilize it. Yet many on the existing City Council are champions of it. This is not being responsive to the electorate.

7. If you are on the opposite side of the street from McDonalds or the Citgo station on Cleveland at Calhoun, you will have NO access to these businesses unless you
turn around in someone’s driveway. This comment is from a city staff member.
In reality these businesses will be adversely affected and may close their doors.

We urge you to contact Mayor Chiovatero and your Alderman, and ask them to vote for two-lane construction, option 1, amended to exclude the sidewalk “alternate transportation trail. Please consider attending the public hearing on April 10th at 7:00pm at City Hall.

Next month I will be celebrating my 71st birthday. Over these many years I have met many people and read about many people but never, ever have I run across a person as malicious and spiteful as Linda Richter. She appears to be bent on destroying people’s lives regardless of who gets hurt in the process.

As I read her latest blog regarding Matt Thomas’ bankruptcy, my first reaction was of genuine pity for her. Only a truly discontented person would take pleasure in exploiting another person’s misfortune. This was yet another example of her merciless treatment of Matt, who has devoted many hours and expertise to serve New Berlin citizens in an exemplary manner.

I would like to know what motivates Linda to research someone’s background and, in my opinion, take delight in using that information to try to damage their reputation and character. I believe most people are understanding and forgiving and do not approve of having their background investigated regardless of whether or not they are in public office. It is my prayer that Linda will be considerate in the future and think twice before hurting more people. The Bible clearly states in John 8:7, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone.”

Dolores Karner, Secretary
New Berlin Citizens for Responsible Government