Editor:

   There has been a lot of misinformation printed and spouted lately concerning the proposed pathway along Shore Road in Cape Elizabeth.  Opponents of the project contend that the project will be unsafe, or that it will somehow ruin the “character” of Shore Road. The fact is that this path will actually restore a measure of the “country road” feel Shore Road used to have by creating a safe place for people to walk. And despite what some of the opponents of the path have said publicly, this path will absolutely improve safety.  Building this project will provide local and regional users safe access to a public right of way.  The opponents of the project are playing the NIMBY card to the detriment of the health and safety of Cape Elizabeth residents and visitors.

    Opponents of the path contend that the path’s closeness to the road, and the fact that it is only on one side, make it unsafe. Dan Stewart, who manages the Bicycle and Pedestrian Program for the Maine Department of Transportation (DOT) says that the opposite is true. Many, if not most, walkways for pedestrians are right next to the road and only on one side – as is the case with several Cape roads, including Scott Dyer Road, and most of Shore Road from the north, for example.  The Maine DOT also reports that the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, which is the group that sets national standards for all types of transportation projects, claims that pedestrians are twice as likely to be hit by cars on roads without sidewalks or paths. Furthermore, the places where the path crosses  the road, where signage and crosswalks will be installed, will actually provide opportunities to calm and slow traffic down, further restoring some of the peace and quiet this road once had.  As a community, Cape Elizabeth should set a high standard for providing for the safety of residents who wish to travel the town on foot for health, fun or business. We should not wait for the inevitable fatality before we take action.  

   Much has also been said about Shore Road’s “rural” character, but according to the Maine DOT, Shore Road is a “major urban collector” street. This is emphatically not a rural street!  Both traffic flow and density of development are at levels more consistent with urban or suburban environments.  The creation of the path will actually restore a measure of “rural” experience by making it possible for people to walk for health, recreation or transportation without taking their lives in hand.  Far from irrevocably changing Shore Road, soon after the path gets built, the weeds, bushes and alders will return, and the path will look like it has always been there.    

   And while it is good to hear out the opinions of the abutters, it is important to keep in mind that the path is designed to be in the public right of way for about 90 percent of the distance it will traverse. This is public land. No property takings will occur in its construction.  

   The project also will not be as expensive as nay-sayers claim either. Based on Maine DOT estimates for the cost of similar projects, I don’t believe the total for this project will exceed $3 million. And there are many federal, state and local grants, which will help keep the town’s share low.

   This project is about town residents’ and visitors’ safety and access. This project is about sending a message to our children that walking is a great form of recreation, transportation and healthful exercise.  I  hope that the town of Cape Elizabeth will make a statement for health, safety and access. And I hope that towns across the county, state and nation follow suit.

James  Tassé

Cape Elizabeth