Around Town: May 1, 2024

By: Ernie Wren
As we watch the continuous growth of the population of Ashland, the need for smart growth becomes vitally clear. Our population has grown from 1,869 in the year 2000 to 3,707 in 2010, and 4,747 in 2020 (census.gov). This represents a 154% increase in just under 25 years. With all this growth comes the associated issues.

One of the issues brought up at the city council meeting earlier this month is that Redbud Lane is becoming a concern due to the recent additions of Boone Corner and the new salon/office building.

It was only about six or seven years ago that the city turned Redbud Lane and parts of Johnson Street into one-way streets, which was a good idea at the time, but was communicated poorly to the residents and businesses. This caused a lot of turmoil and an ultimate reversal of that decision. Both roads were once alleys that were converted into narrow two-way streets.

With the addition of businesses and more housing along these streets, the answer is to widen both roads to the point where they are safe and meet common width standards (which is expensive) or turn them into one-way streets, while making sure there is proper communication and involvement of residents and businesses. If the one-way street option is chosen, the street traffic would need to flow from east to west according to Dave Westhoff, owner of Boone Corner. If you’ve driven down these roads much, you know it’s time for a change. Let’s hope this time the city leaders get it done and leave it done.

Reminders:
• Save the date – on Saturday, May 11th, at 9am, there will be a “Sadie Robinett Memorial Butterfly Garden Build” at the Ashland Ridge City Park at 405 Mustang Drive.
• The YMCA Farmer’s Market begins May 2nd. I personally can’t wait for many of the goodies found there and at the Hartsburg farmers market as well. If you’re interested in helping or having a booth at the Hartsburg Farmers Market, check out the Facebook post in “Hartsburg Happenings” by Katy Lammers.
• The Middle School will host the 8th Grade Promotion on Tuesday, May 21st at 6:30pm in the middle school gym. All 8th grade students, families, and friends are invited to attend the event as we celebrate the 8th grade students and all of their accomplishments while at the middle school (District FB page). As a 7th/8th grade teacher I am really looking forward to this, seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces as they progress forward in life!

“In 100 years, we will have gone from teaching Latin and Greek in high school to teaching Remedial English in college.” – Joseph Sobran