Letter to the Editor: Complete streets are not "one-size-fits-all"

January 30,2023 Times Union Albany, NY

Your editorial “Truly ‘complete’ streets” once again emphasizes the TU’s support for complete streets. No surprise as the TU has been supportive in the past of complete streets and supported the redesign of Delaware Avenue in Bethlehem as a complete street. What I have found lacking in the TU’s support and coverage is a critical review of local projects and the need, design and community support. Any opposition is viewed as narrow-minded or ignorant.

Complete streets is not a one size fits all concept. A study of complete streets policy shows that the needs varies for urban, suburban and rural communities. While many complete streets will accommodate bikes, pedestrians and transit users, some complete streets will only be able to accommodate pedestrians. There are complete streets projects that have installed benches on rural Main Streets so that pedestrians can rest or better signage to make navigating by bike or foot easier. Many in Bethlehem favored a complete streets project that supported pedestrians, especially our seniors, the disabled and children. The bike lanes were not supported as the bike lane led to nowhere, meaning that once the Normanskill Bridge was crossed into Albany the lanes would end, and there is an existing bike lane right next to Delaware Avenue with access to all the businesses.

The state law provides that complete streets shouldn’t be pursued when the cost is disproportionate to the need, design features would have an adverse impact on public safety, or there is a demonstrated lack of need or lack of community support. Moving forward, we need to fit the complete street to the community and provide them with the complete street that they need and not the assume every design is appropriate for every community.