New Berlin Citizens for Responsible Government

I think there is a larger issue: What type of community do we want to live in? I personally like the sidewalks and paths. Not because I think I will get my money's worth using them, but I recognize the need for people including one's who don't drive to be able to walk,ride, blade... safely without the fear of being run-down by a car. I can also translate that to higher property values. I appreciate NBCRG's interest in monitoring and controling government spending for us residents, but lately seems more like an unwillingness to accept any change instead of any real innovative ideas. I'm curious what type of community NBCRG members want to live in?

I have to agree with Mr. Heun, it is becoming more and more obvious that New Berlin’s Alt Transportation Plan (as approved in 2002) needs to be completely scraped.  Good plans do not have the difficulties in execution this one has had virtually every turn.

This is not to say that our neighborhoods could not benefit from ‘connectors’ and that a reasonable number of recreational trails would not be desirable.  It’s simply the fact the 2002 amendment to the 1999 plan was overly ambitious, poorly researched and has ballooned in cost beyond what is reasonable to expect New Berlin taxpayers to support.  It’s time to take the lessons learned, abandon the plan and find a new responsible approach.

A couple items I would like to point out about the planning, (or lack of) that went in to the 2002 amendment.  The Alternative Transportation Sub-Committee while well intentioned did not have the experienced personnel for the research required. The majority of this committee was made up of recreational bike enthusiasts that put a very idealistic slant on the advocacy of their own hobby.

-There is no evidence in meeting minutes that this committee consulted or researched any neighboring community to learn what might have work well or has not worked in the implementation of trail systems.

-At no time during the committee’s planning process did they consult with New Berlin Police or New Berlin Public Safety to explore what might be necessary in the area of enforcement or safety on trails of this design.  (25 miles of mostly isolated trails and no one thought about safety or enforcement concerns!!!???  “Let’s build an isolated trail that connects an elementary school to a park.  Oh yea…there will be no police presence, no line of sight for police surveillance an no line of sight for neighbors to monitor activity.”  Might as well just send out invitations to men wearing raincoats and holding candy while you’re at it).

-The issue of maintenance of such an ambitious trail system is still up in the air.  During the Alt Trans Committee meetings questions of maintenance were raise and each question went unanswered. Even now, six years after plan approval, the maintenance plan is stalled at City Hall.  Efforts have been made but every plan has fallen short of responsibly finding a solution.

-The Committee severely underestimated the cost of trail construction; now in 2008 we now see the impact of those poor cost projections.  Virtually every proposed segment comes in double and in some cases, triple original estimates.

It’s simply time to accept that the plan was broken from the start.  To continue to beat this dead horse will only create unnecessary expense and create lasting problems for residents, police and city officials. It’s time for Alderman Moore to recognize his personal passion for biking and outdoor activity does not justify the burden he will place on his constituents. They deserve more from him than a desire to advocate his own hobby.

Right, I can have a paramedic show up at my door in a reasonable time but we need $24 mil in bike trails.

P.S. we need more speed bumps.

Its like Jack wants to turn New Berlin into New Germania.  Fullfilling his dream of ruling the pathway capital of the world.

It's a quality of life issue. Some want them and are willing to pay for them, and some don't want them. It doesn't make one side or the other wrong. In the end, the democratic process will decide the issue. Based on the transition of New Berlin from cow town to upper middle class suburb, the bike trails will probably be built. Although likely delayed and at added cost.