THE QUAGMIRE
There has been a lot of activity on main street in Bennett lately. Between the hotel, Sonic, Ziggi’s and the gas station opening up, the amount of congestion has more than doubled. On top of that, the flow of traffic has been significantly impeded by the construction that is widening the road for a right lane headed towards the highway for truckers. Crews are also putting in electricity and preparing for a street light at the Love’s/King Soopers entrance. Lane shifts, increased traffic for sonic tots, and people trying to figure out how to maneuver the construction, has really caused a mess. It begs the question, “why is this all happening at once?” It feels like the concept of urban planning in stages was thrown out the window and the Board of Trustees called on all of the commercial and construction companies to start all at once.
Recently, the I-70 Scout reported that the proposed commercial plots next to the new Dollar General would not have access to the main street when they are built. It sounds like customers and supply trucks will have to access those businesses through the back way of the plot. What?? They will have to go through a neighborhood to access the building that is visible from the street?
All of this is befuddling. There are still no permanent, lasting solutions for fixing the ramps exiting the highway. The bridge over I-70 is a mess. CDOT road crews put patches on the potholes and within three days, they are bad again. Now granted, the City of Bennett is not responsible for the highway ramps. These issues though, are compounding the problems. Yes, construction and growing pains are just that…a pain, and yes, this too shall pass. However, these planning projects need to be carefully handled in order to alleviate the confusion and frustration that this phase has caused.
The scramble to provide the services that are needed for the amount of new families that Bennett anticipates moving to this area, should have a community plan that does not frustrate the current residents. We appreciate all of the new development that makes our lives easier, but hope that we can make good, intentional choices about when and how.
Recently, the I-70 Scout reported that the proposed commercial plots next to the new Dollar General would not have access to the main street when they are built. It sounds like customers and supply trucks will have to access those businesses through the back way of the plot. What?? They will have to go through a neighborhood to access the building that is visible from the street?
All of this is befuddling. There are still no permanent, lasting solutions for fixing the ramps exiting the highway. The bridge over I-70 is a mess. CDOT road crews put patches on the potholes and within three days, they are bad again. Now granted, the City of Bennett is not responsible for the highway ramps. These issues though, are compounding the problems. Yes, construction and growing pains are just that…a pain, and yes, this too shall pass. However, these planning projects need to be carefully handled in order to alleviate the confusion and frustration that this phase has caused.
The scramble to provide the services that are needed for the amount of new families that Bennett anticipates moving to this area, should have a community plan that does not frustrate the current residents. We appreciate all of the new development that makes our lives easier, but hope that we can make good, intentional choices about when and how.
The Town of Bennett is honoring all those who have served with a free meal on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2021.
All military members are invited for a free meal at High Plains Diner from 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Veterans and service members may be asked to present a military ID and use the Code “VETERANS2021”.
The Tri-Valley VFW Post #8449 will also be hosting a Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, November 13, 2021. Chili entries will be accepted from 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. and judging will take place from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Participants are asked to bring their own power strip.
For more information on the free meal for Veteran’s Day, please contact Lynette White at [email protected].
All military members are invited for a free meal at High Plains Diner from 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Veterans and service members may be asked to present a military ID and use the Code “VETERANS2021”.
The Tri-Valley VFW Post #8449 will also be hosting a Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, November 13, 2021. Chili entries will be accepted from 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. and judging will take place from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Participants are asked to bring their own power strip.
For more information on the free meal for Veteran’s Day, please contact Lynette White at [email protected].