To the Editor:
If you have ever tried to move through the intersection of King and Union streets on a weekend or holiday, you most likely would comment: “It’s a zoo!” There are cars, pedestrians, motor coaches, trolleys, bicycles, joggers, and skate boarders all in competition to cross the street, and absolutely no one trying to rationally sort this mess out. Once in a while, you might see a police officer or two stationed at the corner, but they do not intervene with traffic.
A few years ago, after I complained to the city manager at that time about this mess, it was forwarded to the Old Town Assistant Police Department Sector Commander, who replied that they did increase police presence at that site on weekend nights, but that they were on extra-duty detail status — paid to come in on their days off to provide more police coverage. He also indicated that they would love to have enough officers to staff this important area at all times, but since they don’t, it is not reasonable to keep them there round the clock in case occasional issues arise.
I have often said that this situation does not need a police officer, per se, but a parking enforcement officer, or one of the school crossing officers could bring some sort of sanity to what is now uncontrolled chaos. This small intersection is a magnet for whoever comes to Old Town, and is without a doubt the busiest thoroughfare in the entire city, yet no one in our city government takes responsibility for it. In addition, it is amazing that no one has been seriously injured in attempting to cross this intersection on a busy day.
When this City Council passed the Waterfront Plan, they alluded to it as a “world class waterfront,” which is a misnomer and a travesty, since no one traversing this intersection is going to praise our waterfront. At the current time, it resembles a third world crossing point. If we truly want citizens and guests to extol our uniqueness, our history, and our walkability, then we must create order out of chaos at this, the most visible intersection in the city on weekends and holidays. To do any less is to admit indifference and acceptance of the status quo.
Townsend A. “Van” Van Fleet
Alexandria