Letter To The Editor: Priorities In Fall River

FALL RIVER, MA — OK. What do you see as our biggest priorities in Fall River for 2020 and beyond? Can we identify legacy issues? I believe, for example, that one legacy issue is streets and roads in Fall River.

Not the repairing of streets — we see construction going on everywhere. I'm thinking of the constant digging up of our streets and roads, even newly paved ones. Over the decades I have heard of many reasons why this is done: repair old sewer pipes, water pipes, electrical lines, etc. I was reminded of this constant tearing up of newly paved roads recently when a relative visited from out of the area. This relative lived in Fall River all of his life, lives nearby, and visits frequently.

He visited for Thanksgiving. His first words after holiday greetings were: "I sure do not miss the numerous street bumps from the streets that were new on my last visit (several months previous) but now bumps are all over the place."

There must be an answer to change our past practices. Where could answers be found? I don't think that we would have to look too far. It seems that every community surrounding has better streets and roads than Fall River. Even the more heavily populated and older communities, such as New Bedford, have better roads.

What are they doing that we are not? For starters, I would include Westport on any such task force, as they seem to have the best kept roads and streets and lanes locally. Maybe a Street Task Force convened by mayor-elect (Paul) Coogan could find an answer. If so, he would establish a legacy we all would celebrate for endless years. I wish all a Happy Holiday Season.

Daryl Gonyon, Fall River