BERG: RTM Vote on Avenue Traffic Police Reflected Divide Between Those Who Value Quality of Life Vs Austerity

Submitted by Peter Berg, Cos Cob

Reports that the RTM overwhelmingly rejected a resolution calling for police to return to traffic posts on Greenwich Avenue (81 in favor, 127 opposed), did not reveal a stark geographic division.

Hidden in that vote was the wide disparity among our RTM districts.  Our three Downtown districts (1, 2, and 7) voted collectively 37 to 9 in favor of the resolution, while more distant districts voted against the resolution.

Districts 4 (Byram), 5 (Riverside), 6 (Old Greenwich), 11 (Northeast) and 12 (Havemeyer) voted collectively 26 to 94 against the resolution

I voted for the resolution even though I don’t live near Downtown or shop or dine there often. 

For me, this was a clear choice between residents who value Quality of Life over those who give greater weight to Austerity and a low mill rate. 

Greenwich can afford to have crossing guards to enhance public safety and public health.  I sympathize with those residents and their elected representatives who want a high Quality of Life in Downtown Greenwich. 

Peter Berg, Cos Cob
The writer is speaking on his own behalf, not for the RTM