To the editor:
I am thoroughly in agreement with Peter Todd's letter to the editor (The Times, Nov. 25), in which he raised concern about a lack of sidewalks along Railroad Avenue in front of the renovated Shaw's.
I frequently drive and walk on Railroad Avenue; I used to walk to shop at Shaw's, but I have stopped since I no longer feel safe. Further, I have come close to hitting pedestrians several times lately since the Shaw's parking lot has been pushed out to the street edge.
People are so used to leaving the train station and the small shopping mall and walking past Shaw's. Have you tried walking on the other side? It is very difficult, with the car wash, Pearl and School streets, and then another mini-mall without adequate sidewalks.
I realize that Shaw's is supposed to own the land and has the "right" to build its parking lot up to the road's edge, but it is certainly not a morally correct action, and one that endangers Gloucesterites who prefer to walk.
With all the spending on making the sidewalks friendly for pedestrians in the downtown area, it seems the neighborhoods are becoming increasingly difficult to get around in without driving an automobile.
I ask the Planning Board, the Department of Public Works, Mayor Kirk and whomever else should be involved to give some careful thought to how to promote less car use and more walking to our library, City Hall, downtown shopping and the other attractions we have on Cape Ann.
Robert M. Green
Beacon Street, Gloucester
