[Greater-baltimore] FW: city holding "workshop" on building aroundabout at Key and Light Streets

Thu Oct 14 12:09:11 UTC 2010

Thanks Ed & everyone for this lively and important discussion. Your
thoughts and assertions are extremely valuable and I thank Lorraine
for bringing this to the attention via this forum. I also look very
much forward to seeing everyone at the meeting this evening.

Regards,

Maurice

On 10/14/10, Morman, Ed <EMorman at nfb.org> wrote:
> More words of reason from Maurice.  Thanks.
>
> I'll step back from my strong assertions, and simply point out that the
> intersection as it now exists doesn't work very well for anyone.  There
> is no way to cross Light Street on the north side of the intersection
> (you have to walk a block further north), it's very difficult to cross
> going north or south on the west side of the Light Stree.
>
> I am opposed to pretty much any change in traffic patterns whose purpose
> is to allow auto traffic to move more easily UNLESS care is taken to
> assure pedestrian traffic is safe and that the streetscape remains on a
> scale suitable for pedestrians to enjoy the environment.  I think that's
> the point that should be made this evening.
>
> Cordially,
> Ed Morman
> Edward T. Morman, MSLS, PhD
> Director, Jacobus tenBroek Library
> NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND JERNIGAN INSTITUTE
> 200 East Wells Street
>    at Jernigan Place
> Baltimore MD 21230
> 410.659.9314 x2225
> 410.685.2340 (fax)
>
>
> Text the word BLIND to 85944 to donate $10 to the NFB Imagination Fund
> via your phone bill.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: greater-baltimore-bounces at nfbnet.org
> [mailto:greater-baltimore-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Maurice Peret
> Sent: Wednesday, October 13, 2010 7:36 PM
> To: NFB of Maryland Baltimore Chapter Discussion List
> Subject: Re: [Greater-baltimore] FW: city holding "workshop" on building
> aroundabout at Key and Light Streets
>
> Wow! What a fascinating discussion. I appreciate the diversity of
> views on roundabouts and, for the record, have not taken a concerted
> opinion of my own yet on this proposed one. What others have offered
> by way of example is illustrative. The point being that roundabouts
> tend to be as dissimilar as intersection configurations. There are
> many different types, placed there for several varying reasons, and
> with unique challenges and advantages specific to each one. I only
> want to find out how this one is planned to be designed before forming
> an opinion. The general area in which this roundabout is being
> proposed is a heavily touristed one with lots of pedestrian traffic,
> not every tourist rents a car. I learned my lesson in the aftermath
> when the whole audible pedestrian signal debate came to a head with
> basically a cacophony of APS were placed sporadically here and there
> without any sort of standardization, to confuse the blind traveler
> even more. If we're going to have to learn the signal system at the
> same time we analyze the traffic patterns, well, you get the idea.
>
> I agree wholeheartedly with Chris. Let's participate in the meeting on
> Thursday as informed citizens bringing our own experiences as
> pedestrians and motorists alike. They need to hear from all of us, not
> as drones who all do and function the same way, but as members of the
> community who will be impacted by and will have an impact upon the
> changes being proposed. We should then come to the Greater Baltimore
> Chapter meeting this Saturday, October 16, compare notes, then decide
> whether or not and what sort of action from the organized blind might
> be pursued.
>
> Thanks everyone for your informed opinions. And thank you, President
> Danielsen, for your leadership. I admire and respect all of them.
>
> Yours,
>
> Maurice
>
>
> On 10/13/10, Aaron Allen <aaron.allen at comcast.net> wrote:
>> As a blind person who has navigated round-abouts as a part of daily
> travel,
>> I can say that the most dangerous aspect is unattentive drivers.
>>
>> Many drivers in the U.S ar not accustom to these traffic tools and
> thus do
>> not have the proper skills to navigate them.
>>
>> Also, many lack the proper knowledge of driver etiquette.
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: greater-baltimore-bounces at nfbnet.org
>> [mailto:greater-baltimore-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Danielsen,
> Chris
>> Sent: Wednesday, October 13, 2010 5:05 PM
>> To: NFB of Maryland Baltimore Chapter Discussion List
>> Subject: Re: [Greater-baltimore] FW: city holding "workshop" on
> building
>> aroundabout at Key and Light Streets
>>
>> Ed,
>>
>> I agree with you that the situation at the corner isn't currently
>> pedestrian friendly, but that doesn't mean that a roundabout will
>> necessarily make it better. I think we need to know more before we can
>> say one way or the other. The city representative has specifically
>> asserted that the roundabout will be safer for pedestrians, and I
> would
>> like to know on what basis he is saying this, or whether it's just
>> boilerplate he's throwing out there to promote the project. I also
> want
>> more information, from Maurice but also from others, on how blind
> people
>> actually deal with roundabouts. Maurice's opinion carries a great deal
>> of weight with me, but so does Ellen's and so may the opinions of
> other
>> blind people who have dealt with these things. This is a situation
> where
>> we may need to balance our desire for high expectations for blind
> people
>> with the actual experiences of blind travelers. I'd love to believe,
> and
>> say, that this won't be a problem for our members, but I don't feel
>> comfortable just doing that on philosophical grounds without also
> taking
>> into consideration what our actual experiences are. Just based on what
> I
>> know, I have trouble believing that roundabouts are preferable for
> blind
>> pedestrians, even if we can in fact manage them. Should we accept a
>> situation that will make our lives more difficult simply for
>> philosophical consistency? Or am I dead wrong, and are these things
>> really not a problem at all? I'm certainly open to being convinced.
>> Ultimately, however, our sole guidance on whether to support, oppose,
> or
>> remain neutral should be based solely on what we believe is best for
>> blind pedestrians, not on any other consideration.
>>
>> Chris
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: greater-baltimore-bounces at nfbnet.org
>> [mailto:greater-baltimore-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Morman, Ed
>> Sent: Wednesday, October 13, 2010 4:06 PM
>> To: NFB of Maryland Baltimore Chapter Discussion List
>> Subject: Re: [Greater-baltimore] FW: city holding "workshop" on
> building
>> aroundabout at Key and Light Streets
>>
>> Hear, hear! Bravo, Maurice!
>>
>> As a sighted person who frequently walks to work at the national
> center,
>> I can say that the existing situation at that corner is NOT pedestrian
>> friendly.  And as a person who sometimes drives to work, I can add
> that
>> neither is it a wonderful place to drive, especially going south and
>> continuing on Light Street.  I suspect that opposition to the project
> by
>> Federal Hill merchants has more to do with the disruptions during
>> construction than to the final result.  Their opposition is
>> understandable, but shouldn't determine what happens.
>>
>> There is another recent roundabout in the city, in the Harbor East
>> neighborhood, and it seems to work well and to be visually attractive.
>> Admittedly traffic is much lighter there and it was created as the
>> neighborhood was being built, but it does serve as an good example.
>>
>> Cordially,
>> Ed Morman
>> Edward T. Morman, MSLS, PhD
>> Director, Jacobus tenBroek Library
>> NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND JERNIGAN INSTITUTE
>> 200 East Wells Street
>>    at Jernigan Place
>> Baltimore MD 21230
>> 410.659.9314 x2225
>> 410.685.2340 (fax)
>>
>>
>> Text the word BLIND to 85944 to donate $10 to the NFB Imagination Fund
>> via your phone bill.
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: greater-baltimore-bounces at nfbnet.org
>> [mailto:greater-baltimore-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Maurice
> Peret
>> Sent: Wednesday, October 13, 2010 3:15 PM
>> To: NFB of Maryland Baltimore Chapter Discussion List
>> Subject: Re: [Greater-baltimore] FW: city holding "workshop" on
> building
>> a roundabout at Key and Light Streets
>>
>> Greetings Fellow Federationists & Friends,
>>
>> I am pleased at the invitation to attend an informative discussion
>> about the proposed city roundabout. Professionally, I would only
>> caution that we participate as informed citizens rather than
>> immediately jumping to the murky conclusion that roundabouts are by
>> definition unsafe or unnavigable by blind or other pedestrians. While
>> I have my own personal curiosity about the efficiency of these
>> architectural traffic designs, I have successfully learned to manage
>> them and teach them to my students. That there need necessarily be a
>> bridge or other pedestrian path constructed over or around this
>> proposed design might be premature until the proposal has been fairly
>> and thoroughly heard and understood. Other than the inevitable
>> headaches associated with the traffic and pedestrian interruption
>> caused by construction of the proposed roundabout, it may not
>> necessarily prove impossible for us to deal with. I would first want
>> to hear how the thing will be designed as being "pedestrian friendly"
>> before forming my own opinion. We don't want to assume the posture of
>> too many of our professional friends out there who jump to the knee
>> jerk conclusion that a thing is impossible or unsafe for blind
>> travelers without giving it a scout's try.
>>
>> Just food for thought,
>>
>> Maurice Peret, NOMCT
>>
>> On 10/13/10, Rovig, Lorraine <LRovig at nfb.org> wrote:
>>> By the way, you can go to the 6 PM meeting even if you just show
>> up--You
>>> do not need to use the computer-invitation. The meeting is at Christ
>>> Lutheran Church across Light Street from the Science Center, or enter
>> at
>>> 701 South Charles Street.
>>>
>>> PARKING
>>> Parking is available for in an underground garage (enter on Lee
>> Street)
>>> and in the parking lot on Charles Street.  I do not know if parking
> in
>>> the church garage or lot will be free; check signs.  Some parking is
>>> available on Key Hwy and on Light Street.  Check the city signs but I
>>> think street parking is free on Light and Key after 6 PM.
>>>
>>> Hope to see you there!
>>>
>>> Lorraine Rovig
>>> Help?: Text the word BLIND to 85944 to donate $10 to the NFB
>> Imagination
>>> Fund via your phone bill.
>>>
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: greater-baltimore-bounces at nfbnet.org
>>> [mailto:greater-baltimore-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Danielsen,
>>> Chris
>>> Sent: Wednesday, October 13, 2010 10:55 AM
>>> To: NFB of Maryland Baltimore Chapter Discussion List
>>> Subject: [Greater-baltimore] {Disarmed} FW: city holding "workshop"
>>> onbuilding a roundabout at Key and Light Streets
>>>
>>> Dear Fellow Federationists:
>>>
>>> Some of you may wish to attend this event. I plan to do so myself.
>>>
>>> Chris
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> ________________________________
>>>
>>> From: Rovig, Lorraine
>>> Sent: Wednesday, October 13, 2010 10:32 AM
>>> To: Cheadle, John; Danielsen, Chris; Hartle, Mary Jo; Amy Phelps;
>> Booth,
>>> Steve; Aloma Bouma; Hartle, Jesse; Kuhnke, Kristian; Pare, John
>>> Subject: city holding "workshop" on building a roundabout at Key and
>>> Light Streets
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Dear Pedestrians and Friends,
>>>
>>> I suggest you forward this to anyone you know who would be affected
> by
>> a
>>> roundabout established at the intersection of Key and Light Streets.
>> The
>>> workshop is Hosted by Mark R. Brown of Baltimore City to explain this
>>> dumb idea, and "guests" include folks like Anna Epsilantis  who runs
>> Big
>>> Jim's Deli in Cross Street Market. She and other merchants are
> against
>>> the plan because it is not pedestrian-friendly.  Me too, same reason,
>>> and because they are not very driver-friendly either.  There is no
>> idea
>>> of a pedestrian bridge over the roundabout and I think in this
> economy
>>> none would be built until after a few pedestrians are killed. She is
>>> going to protest it along with other merchants.  (I ran into Anna
>> while
>>> having dinner last night and she informed me of this workshop which
> is
>>> designed as a way to get the neighborhoods and the city to buy the
>>> idea.)  Anyone can attend the workshop by marking the online
>>> "invitation" linked to the announcement below.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Lorraine Rovig
>>>
>>> Office: 410-659-9314, x2415
>>>
>>> Help?: Text the word BLIND to 85944 to donate $10 to the NFB
>> Imagination
>>> Fund via your phone bill.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> ________________________________
>>>
>>> From: annabigjims at aol.com [mailto:annabigjims at aol.com]
>>> Sent: Wednesday, October 13, 2010 10:08 AM
>>> To: Rovig, Lorraine
>>> Subject: Fwd: Sonny Morstein has invited you to Key and Light Street
>>> Roundabout Workshop
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Good Morning
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> This is the planned roundabout we spoke of.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Anna
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: Sonny Morstein <mail at mail.socializr.com>
>>> To: annabigjims at aol.com
>>> Sent: Wed, Oct 13, 2010 9:33 am
>>> Subject: Sonny Morstein has invited you to Key and Light Street
>>> Roundabout Workshop
>>>
>>> To ensure you receive invitations, add mail at mail.socializr.com to
> your
>>> address book.
>>>
>>>  To view the images in this email, please click on Show or Display
>>> Images.<http://static.socializr.com/images/logo_small.gif>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Invite More People
>>> <http://www.socializr.com/invite/260538188/1505721562>
>>>
>>> Sonny Morstein has invited you to:
>>>
>>> Key and Light Street Roundabout Workshop
>>> <http://www.socializr.com/event/260538188/1505721562>
>>>
>>> Thursday, October 14, 2010, 6:00 PM
>>>
>>> Hosted by Mark R. Brown
>>>
>>> Christ Church
>>>
>>> 701 S. Charles street, Baltimore, MD
>>>
>>> I am inviting you to a special workshop to discuss the Key & Light
>>> Street roundabout project. This is a Baltimore City Department of
>>> Transportation effort that will make this important intersection
> safer
>>> for pedestrians and vehicle traffic and create an attractive gateway
>>> linking the Inner Harbor with South Baltimore.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> View Guest List and RSVP
>>> <http://www.socializr.com/event/260538188/1505721562>
>>>
>>>  <http://www.socializr.com/event/260538188/1505721562>
>>>
>>> View Guest List and RSVP
>>> <http://www.socializr.com/event/260538188/1505721562>
>>>
>>> Sent on behalf of Sonny Morstein <jmorstein at aol.com> at 10/13/10 6:33
>> AM
>>>
>>>
>>> Block emails from Sonny Morstein or Socializr
>>>
>>
> <http://www.socializr.com/block?recipientemail=3032920&blockemail=405972
>>> 4&verifycode=140214&eventId=260538188&code=1505721562>
>>>
>>> (c)2009 Socializr, Inc. All Rights Reserved.   "Don't be boring."
>>> 660 4th Street, Suite 240, San Francisco, California 94107
>>>
>>>
> <http://www.socializr.com/invitation/260538188/3032920/socializr.gif>
>>>
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>>
>>
>> --
>> Maurice Peret, NOMCT
>> National Orientation & Mobility Certifier Trainer
>> ****************************************
>> CHANGING WHAT IT MEANS TO BE BLIND
>> ****************************************
>>
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>
> --
> Maurice Peret, NOMCT
> National Orientation & Mobility Certifier Trainer
> ****************************************
> CHANGING WHAT IT MEANS TO BE BLIND
> ****************************************
>
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-- 
Maurice Peret, NOMCT
National Orientation & Mobility Certifier Trainer
****************************************
CHANGING WHAT IT MEANS TO BE BLIND
****************************************