A sidewalk should be built on Route 682 between West Union Street and University Estates Boulevard.
To the Editor,
I would like to propose that a sidewalk be built on Route 682 between West Union Street and University Estates Boulevard (approximately 1,500 feet), and I hope many of The Post readers would agree with the idea. This would allow for the safety of walkers and joggers on this short span of Route 682. The sidewalk is an amenity any friendly city streets should have.
I began communicating the idea with some Athens officials as well as local stores in my neighborhood. I understand that the city has not planned such a sidewalk, but I believe increased awareness might promote discussion and ultimately a plan.
My understanding is that Ohio has jurisdiction from the midpoint of the Margaret Creek Bridge to Armitage Road, and Athens has jurisdiction from West Union Street to the midpoint of the Margaret Creek Bridge, as well as from Armitage Road to University Estates Boulevard. The Ohio Department of Transportation further noted that any sidewalk project on 682 between University Estates Boulevard and West Union Street would need joint discussion between the city and ODOT.
Recently, I have noticed a lot of foot traffic in that limited stretch of 682. University Estates residents and possibly workers at offices along 682 — AEP, Carr Supply and ODOT — may walk to (and from) West Union Street to stores such as Catalyst Coffee Shop, Veterans facilities, O'Bleness Memorial Hospital, medical offices, Go-Mart, Seaman's Grocery, Re-Store, Larry's Dawg House, as well as to White's Mill on 682 off West Union Street. Some may even walk from University Estates to Uptown Athens and the Ohio University campus. I have noticed some walkers with dogs on 682. Particularly during school sessions there is a fair share of joggers in groups (perhaps OU students) running from West Union turning onto 682 toward Armitage. Cyclists also use Route 682. These pedestrians are currently sharing with the automotive traffic flow on 682's narrow shoulder.
Given two commercial development projects (a medical building under construction to be completed in 2015 on University Estates Boulevard and a possible microbrewery on Armitage Road off 682), the pedestrian volume may substantially increase. I hope the city and ODOT will consider adding a sidewalk on one side of 682 between University Estates Boulevard and West Union.
Christopher M. Kondo is an Athens County resident.
