For years I have been vocal opponent of cul-de-sacs in Oak Park. I felt that they often are simply a way of diverting traffic to your neighbors’ streets. I was, therefore, relieved when the village finally banned their increasing implementation.
However, after reading last week’s letter to the editor about the problems in southwest Oak Park, I feel that an exception should be made. Traffic inconveniences are different from being concerned about what could be a life-threatening situation. Since the city of Chicago doesn’t seem to be able to do much about the gun violence on expressways, which is spilling over into streets, we need to take some action to protect citizens next to the expressway exits. Make an exception to the cul-de-sac rule or at least narrow those streets, as was done on Lombard near North Avenue.
Joyce Porter
Oak Park