IMHO, I think the boulevard needs to be tied to the Arch Grounds redevelopment. If it gets pushed too far to the right, and coupled with rebuilding the interstate, it will never get built. Twisting the public's perception would make it work for the Arch Grounds redevelopment (tying the riverfront to the city). But when interstates get rebuilt, people want more lanes and smaller commute times. It's all psychological.Alex Ihnen wrote:Good questions. Clearly the competition is getting in the way of the boulevard. I can't say that is 100% unreasonable. The anniversary deadline is gimmicky, but it's motivating for those who have to do the heavy lifting of finding funding. Looking after 2015, or really planning now for what happens immediately after the celebration, funding for infrastructure, especially sustainable, walkable, revitalizing (leveraging development potential) projects may be possible. Also, I-70 is in bad shape and getting worse. We must plan now for when a solution is needed and make sure that the Interstate is not rebuilt.
I hate being a Debby Downer, but if the boulevard doesn't get funded for a 2015 completion date, I doubt it ever gets built. I just hope the magic carpet really ties the room together.
