To the Editor:

I am amazed and dismayed at the negative response CMU has received regarding its plan to improve parking and passage along Church Street. The constricted lanes for traffic while vehicles are parked along the street, have been a consistent problem and an accident waiting to happen. I am thankful that CMU has found a way to amend this issue to the benefit of citizens, visitors, and travelers who utilize Church Street, as well as faculty, staff, and students of the university. 

CMU has a track record of being a good friend to the City of Fayette. The campus is arguably one of the most beautiful areas of town, with meticulously maintained grounds that include a variety of mature trees. They house museums that are open to the public. On our historic downtown square, they are replacing nearly an entire block of derelict buildings and found a use for an empty storefront. They paid for a portion of the ladder truck that was needed by the fire department. For those of you who walk our town, you undoubtedly know that the best-maintained sidewalks outside of the square are at CMU. They bring visitors, along with dollars, to town for athletic competitions, summer camps, and music events. They share their track, baseball field, and sometimes their football field with the local school district and their stage with Fayette Area Community Theater. The public is invited to listen to speakers they bring to campus and be entertained by theater productions and concerts. They employ our fellow citizens. Is it not time for us to show our support for CMU?

Change is difficult, even if it’s a positive change. Will Church Street look a little different? Yes. But it is possible to maintain the beauty we’re accustomed to by replacing any trees that must be removed as a result of the project - trees are a renewable resource. And not all trees are healthy trees. Some must be removed whether this project comes to fruition or not.  

I have no personal ties to the university as a student, alumna, or employee. I simply see this project as a benefit to our town. I sincerely hope that more of my fellow citizens will voice their support of this project via letters to the editor and phone calls to your elected officials. A safer and still beautiful thoroughfare through town that costs the city nothing financially, merely a letter of support, is a no-brainer to me.

Sincerely,

Kristin Himmelmann

Citizen of Fayette