From the Mail Bag...

Monday, August 25, 2008

Dear Mr. Leggett:

I'm the mother of Dov Klugerrnan, the 14-year-old pedestrian who was killed by a speeding SUV in May 2006. As you may recall, I was in touch with you some time ago about safety concerns on Arcola Avenue, where we live and where our son was fatally wounded.

Today, I'm writing to thank you for the outstanding work that has been completed on Arcola Avenue. The road work has improved pedestrian safety considerably and compelled motorists to obey the speed limit while allowing traffic to flow easily. Just last week, I crossed the street halfway while pushing my toddler in a stroller, waited on the pedestrian island, and incredibly, traffic stopped to allow us to complete crossing. I have lived on Arcola Avenue for nine years, and I have never in all that time crossed my street as easily and safely as I am able to now.

Any major changes undoubtedly trigger complaints, and I am certain that you and your staff have received a good amount of negative feedback from motorists who were angered at being slowed down. But please know that I not only speak for myself and my family, but also many, many residents of our community when I say thank you for having the courage and resolve to implement these lifesaving measures.

We are grateful to you for making pedestrian safety a priority in Montgomery County. Unfortunately, it will not bring our son back, but it's heartening to know that this important step will undoubtedly save the lives of others.

- Yaffa Klugerman, Silver Spring

CATEGORIES: transportation , comments
POSTED: 10:21:00 AM |

Monday, August 25, 2008

Thank you very much for addressing the speed bump concerns raised in my letter. In addition it was a pleasure to discuss traffic issues with Mr. Tracy Wroe to whom you referred me.

Thank you again for being an action Executive who gets things done.

- Joseph, Bethesda

CATEGORIES: transportation
POSTED: 10:19:00 AM |

Monday, August 25, 2008

I am a long-time county resident.

I am thrilled (yes, I'm yelling) to see expansion of the plastic recycling program. County money well-spent!. I love the free reusable paint also, plus shoe (textile) recycling. This is what makes me love County services.

Now for recycling bins in downtown Silver Spring, as I had written to you, Mr. Leggett, sometime back. I hope the budget cuts won't cut into this effort.

- Tanya, Takoma Park

CATEGORIES: recycle
POSTED: 10:14:00 AM |

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Mr. Leggett

I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the changes you have made to Arcola Ave in Montgomery County - adding pedestrian crossings, road islands...  I look forward to when the lines will be painted so people will have the chance to understand the new traffic patterns.

As someone who frequently crosses Arcola on foot, I think what you have done is super work and I commend your efforts. The weaving design is actually helpful, since it will ensure drivers pay attention to the road and do not operate their cars on auto-pilot while talking on their phone or hitting the keys on their PDAs.

The bottom line is that Arcola is a feeder to a small bedroom residential community and is / should not be a cut through to commercial traffic. You might even consider putting a dead-end in the middle of it so that residents from one direction have to exit Eastwards and the other end Westwards and completely eliminate the cut-through traffic for good (of course we need to address emergency vehicle access, but I will leave that to the experts).


Talmudic law teaches, and you may have heard this in the movie "Schindler's List" that, he who saves even 1 person, it is as if he saved the entire universe. These changes will not eliminate all risk, and anyone who does not avail themselves of the new crossing points are certainly wrong. However, in general, it will be to your merit, that you will have saved someone's life.

- Joel, Silver Spring 

CATEGORIES: community , transportation
POSTED: 8:03:00 AM |