How many children have to be maimed or killed before Michael Applebaum believes we need a crosswalk?

I have just read Martin Barry's report on the debate over the need for a crosswalk near Royal Vale School. (CDN-NDG should ‘change’ unwilling traffic planners: McQueen .The Monitor, Jan.22.)

I can see that Peter McQueen is getting the same kind of disrespect from Michael Applebaum that Warren Allmand endured for so long with such grace. "I respect you Peter McQueen, BUT ..." It is also clear that Applebaum's friends are still close-by to ditto anything he says.

Life or death issues do not get through to Mr. Applebaum. His vision is always focused on magnificent projects. He is not with the people of NDG, but off on his own cloud.

The real issue is the safety of the public - especially the most vulnerable - children, the elderly, the handicapped. The need for a crosswalk at a critical location is not unique to NDG, and political games are not unique to NDG either.

I offer here a copy of my recent letter to Mayor Ed Janiszewski of Dollard des Ormeaux, where parents are also terrified for their children's safety because of a lack of a crosswalk at a critical location.

January 20, 2010

To Dollard des Ormeaux Mayor, Ed Janiszewski

Mr. Janiszewski,

You can't imagine until you see that child injured - or dead. Too late then.

Dr. Harold who was in practice in Dollard des Ormeaux in the 1960's told me one day what he had seen when he was called to the scene of a car accident on Sources Road. He was a doctor, but the sight of that mutilated child made him sick to his stomach and broke his heart. He never forgot it.

You say you have been "fortunate" for 45 years - (without a serious accident?) Check statistics. I'll bet there are far more cars now than there have been before.

In the past, parents were at home and could keep an eye on their kids. Now they are out at work.

In the past, kids were more respectful and obedient. Now they think the world owes them a living. They do as they please. They expect the drivers to watch out for them.

I have been driving for more than 50 years, day and night, city and country, summer and winter. I am keenly aware of pedestrian behaviour, especially that of small children and teenagers.

You may focus on technical stuff. But one injured child will change your life. You have been warned again and again of this danger. More stalling ? More politics ? More statistics ? Is the bottom line worth more to you than life?

Phyllis Carter

NDG