Annapolis Capital Punishment

Was it because of the manner in which the new tax was enacted that upset everyone? Was it just seen as another abuse of power by an arrogant and out-of-touch administration? Or are people angry because it's another tax, when it should be managed like any other public space? Or was it because we the citizenry were asleep and ignored the due process when this became law? The answer may be all of the above, but one thing is for sure--few issues have attracted as much public outcry in this town.

My view is that sidewalks are extremely important and beneficial to a healthy urban life and community. We've shirked our responsibilities to properly, design, build and maintain the system or walking pathways that we so desperately need. Even so, we have a lot of fine paths and sidewalks and parks and green spaces thanks to the efforts of Ellen Moyer whose leadership in this area for decades have brought about many improvements. One of her first acts as mayor was to repair some poor sections of sidewalk downtown that had been neglected.

I could go on and one about this, and I've thought a lot about the streetscape and urban environment and its relationship to walking, which in turn, has social, economic, health and so many other facets to it, that I could write a book. Walkability is the number one determinant of livability and livability is what it's all about-right? And sidewalks mean walkability. On the other hand, it's Saturday and I'm going to the Truxtun Park Pool and then to the concert at Quiet Waters Park later--and by the way, I may ride my bike, which I often do. Lovely public spaces that exist for all of us--like our sidewalks.

But before I head out, let's first observe how our city and our whole planet is built and overbuilt and screwed up essentially for cars--and more cars. Not just roads, but parking lots, driveways, gas stations, sales lots, junkyards etc., etc. The one place--the only place where walking and walkers are supposed to be protected and shielded so we can walk--are our sidewalks. Yet they are violated constantly, often permanently by utility poles, fire hydrants etc. So this is why CP feels it is so important to properly design, build and maintain our sidewalks and our entire walking infrastructure.


Please be sure to vote in this week's survey about sidewalks and attend the CIty Council hearing on July 21 (see elsewhere on CP for info.

I gotta for a bike ride--see you at our lovely public spaces such as Truxtun and Quiet Waters. I hope the people driving their cars respect my rights on my bike.