My initial thought on the Alfred Road reconstruction project parking debate along the West Kennebunk Village Center was one of supporting the open parking concept (“Owners say improvements threaten store,” July 23). You know the old adage, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

However, upon closer observation, I have come to realize there is a significant component lacking in this debate – the safety of pedestrians, joggers and bicyclists who frequent the area.

Residents who walk, jog or bike are not currently afforded the means of a safe passage by way of a curbed sidewalk or designated bike lane. Many of these residents, such as the parked customers who frequent the post office and Creamery, are also customers and taxpayers – so, shouldn’t their safety interests be considered as well?

Designs presented at recent public meetings by the town engineer clearly illustrate the limits to parking in this area and the continued hazards associated with maintaining the status quo. Such that, he will not put his signature on an unsafe plan – a requirement needed to receive a grant for this project. This grant is designated for the completion of bike lanes and sidewalks along the Alfred Road reconstruction project. Now some have suggested  we do away with this grant if it limits convenience. Yet in so doing, it would continue to leave our walking, jogging and biking public literally out on the street.

Many kudos to the West Kennebunk Committee for acknowledging this safety concern by voting unanimously for the proposed design, which includes parallel parking. Selectmen must now also consider this lack of safety and the potential liability it poses to the town should an accident occur as a result of an unsafe roadway.

The argument by some on the convenience current parking provides is a legitimate one. Nonetheless, the safety of our pedestrians, joggers, and bicyclists – let alone the liability to the town – trumps all.

D. R. Guay

West Kennebunk