Mercer Money Approved

While the safety, beautification, and pedestrian/bike-friendliness is welcome, I wonder whether it's possible to create smooth passage between two highways in an increasingly densely populated one-mile strip. And, of course, more money, bells, and whistles for Paul's hood always warrants a raised eyebrow, especially when much of the city lacks sidewalks.

The timing of the project should qualify it for federal stimulus money, something the Council seems to anticipate getting. From the press release:

"This project will bring us needed jobs in tough times. It is exactly what the Obama administration is planning to spend stimulus money on, and to miss this opportunity for a ready-to-go project would be a shame," said Councilmember Jean Godden.

"We have been seeking an answer to the Mercer Mess problem for four decades," said Councilmember Richard McIver. "The $50 million we hope to receive through the Federal Stimulus Package will finally give us enough money to help finish this project and move on to other pressing challenges."

We keep giving Obama our people; the least he can do is give us a little green. The cold, hard kind. Though we'll take the sticky, too, if he's got it.