I am again writing to you with some of my thoughts about the project in Lakewood that includes sidewalks and resurfacing on Route 394 (Fairmount Avenue).

The state stated that the resurfacing was starting at Winch Road and continuing east and eventually to Jamestown city line. I believe the reason they are starting at Winch is that not too many years ago the state did a resurfacing that was west of Winch and did not continue any further east. Currently anything west of Winch does not need resurfacing.

I see that the state sent a letter to the Village of Lakewood and the Town of Busti concerning the sidewalk situation. I understand there were cameras placed on Fairmount to count pedestrian traffic. As there were no results printed in the paper I am not sure how many people were counted. Also it would be interesting as to the location of these cameras.How were these people counted. I know one gentleman that walks Fairmount Ave every single morning. If the results for a month show 40 people walking, is he only counted once or is he counted 30 times toward that total.

Also in March the state did a survey that questioned local people about their concerns with the installation of sidewalks on Fairmount. Has the result of that survey been given to the Village of Lakewood or the Town of Bust?

I, along with most people that live along Fairmount from Chautauqua Ave to Green Street, are totally thankful to the state for not including sidewalks in this project.I know the mayor at one of the board meetings stated that he saw 5 or 6 people walking it everyday to go over to the plaza. I also heard that trustees have said they know many people say they want sidewalks. Where were these people when you had the public meetings or when there was discussion at village board meetings.Yes there are a few people who may walk Fairmount but what has been stated many times, it is wide enough to accommodate pedestrians and bicycles. Again the state did the right thing and listened to the residents.

As far as the sidewalks from Chautauqua Ave. to Shadyside. I do not believe that people from downtown Lakewood are going to walk to the mall, stores or any restaurants to purchase anything. Maybe 20 or 30 years ago it might have worked but today people are either lazy or in a hurry and will drive. Also a few businesses are going to be totally unhappy. Lakewood Furniture is historic and with the design I am sure they are going to wind up with a cement wall in front of the business and not the total row of bushes. Also the two businesses west of the furniture store are going to have pedestrians only a couple of feet from the front door and windows.

One last thought is that if sidewalks are put in, maybe people will walk them because they are new. But as the last Route 394 survey stated there are approximately 10,000 cars and trucks a day traversing that highway and with the noise and smells from the cars and trucks those people will soon stop. Common sense.

Rich Fischer is a Lakewood resident.