Plenty in Common

To the editor,

After reading about the ongoing U.S. 411 Connector debate, I feel like there is more common ground than is being acknowledged by the two sides. Opponents and proponents of Route D-VE can all agree that we need a direct connection to I-75 (with very few driveways and NO stop lights).

Both sides would also like to keep more of their hard-earned money. It seems like our city, county and state are taxing us every time we turnaround. The newspaper reported the route for the connector could cost taxpayers $272 million; that is nearly $174 million more than what we would have to pay for an alternate route or modified design of Route D-VE.

Also, most probably agree that finding a route over less hilly terrain (not through Dobbins Mountain) and constructing fewer bridges would help cut down on the exorbitant price tag. Again, this means more money in our pockets.

I would also conclude that most do not want to irreparably harm our scenic surroundings. After all, that is what makes this part of Georgia so enjoyable and peaceful to many.

That is why residents of Bartow and Floyd counties must unite and ask GDOT to construct a modified version of Route D-VE. I would much rather take a few short months to study a modified section of the road, than find out eight to 10 years from now that GDOT’s route has once again been stopped in federal court. That means GDOT would have to start over for a fourth time, if at all.

And one thing is for sure, nobody wants to see that happen.

Sincerely,

Randy Martin