Contributor Opinion By Gerry Cashin: Princeton Place Access To Montgomery College
Apr 8, 2009 13:06 - 1 Comment
Posted by: Brad Rourke
Department: Contributor Opinion, Opinion
Tags: by Gerry Cashin, montgomery college
Department: Contributor Opinion, Opinion
Tags: by Gerry Cashin, montgomery college
It seems logical to most folks that a reasonable, cost-effective first approach to re-open the Princeton Place access to Montgomery College would be to establish the gathering/smoking area sooner rather than later, institute permit parking on Princeton Place, install surveillance cameras at the fence and in Anderson Park, give the smokers an incentive to go to the gathering area, and open the existing fence at the Princeton Place cul-de-sac. See what happens!
Don’t forget the disabled who absolutely require unblocked access at all times! Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act comes to mind.
As the City of Rockville moves its application through the All-American City Award process, keep in mind the residents of College Gardens and Plymouth Woods as well as Princeton Place. As stated in the City’s press release, “An All-America City has a proven capacity for community-based problem solving, grassroots civic engagement and cooperation between sectors (public, private and nonprofit).”
It’s beyond a sad day when our elected officials, staff and academic neighbors -– all public servants — ignore the greater good of the community.
Gerry Cashin
This is a contributor opinion. Rockville Central encourages readers to submit such opinions for consideration — the more voices the better. We especially welcome people who disagree with us. We ask that all such contributions be civil and we reserve the right to edit (in consultation with the author) or reject. Contributor opinions should not be seen as reflecting opinions held by Rockville Central editors, as they are just as frequently at odds with our own views. That’s the whole point!
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Agreed that your approach seems logical. However, for those living on Princeton Place, not everyone is in agreement of all the solutions. Instead, why not phase in the solutions. If the primary complaint is the smokers, establish the smoking area first, then open the gate. If this solves the smoking problem, then is Permit Parking necessary? It seems that Permit Parking is an unnecessary burden for those who live on Princeton Place. Prior to the smoking ban, students were able to park on the street and access the college — the real problem is that beginning last Fall there was no where to smoke — the Princeton Place cul de sac became a preferred gathering area for students. If a smoking area is available, then the primary complaint of students loitering may be resolved. And then those living on Princeton Place would not need to pay to park in front of their own houses.
Princeton Place resident