Planning Commission Considers Lane Ave. Closure Request
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On Wednesday, a discussion about closing down a portion of Lane Ave. lasted more than 45 minutes. The Jackson Planning Commission, residents in the area, and Lane faculty and staff voiced their opinions on the future of the road. “Lane College, that area is too noisy for what it’s purpose is, a higher education institution,” said Dr. Wesley McClure, President of Lane College. McClure said Wednesday’s vote, was a historic one, because the city of Jackson was took a step toward protecting the safety of Lane College students. “You know, it’s a tough decision, I think that the city, the planning commission, the city council, we’re all really in favor of Lane,” added Randy Wallace; but the city councilman, who also served on the planning commission was the only one who voted against closing down Lane Ave. “They are going to have to re-route to go through residential area and run too much traffic through that residential area,” said Wallace. Many residents who lived near the campus agreed, and so did emergency responders like Jackson Police and firefighters. “We really count on having quick access into there and across there. We used Lane Ave. as a through from Royal St. over to Lincoln Cts. areas, we really count on Lane Ave. a lot,” said Fire Marshal, Wayne Arnold. Reports showed Jackson Police responded to 296 incidents on Lane’s campus, last year. School leaders and a majority of the commission, believed that number would be lower, if the portion of Lane Ave. that cut through the campus was closed to traffic and a gate was installed. “The students are making their way across Lane Ave. going to their classes, going back and forth to the cafeteria and their dorms, it’s really not safe for them,” said Valerie Cole. Just because the planning commission approved the closure, it does not mean it’s not a done deal. The proposal must go before the entire Jackson City Council for a vote on May 1.
