The Commerce Journal

Opinion

Discussion

January 19, 2013

Keeping our eyes on the prize

Journal Editorial Staff The Commerce Journal

COMMERCE — We are excited about the fact that reconstruction of key Commerce roads will begin soon. Repair work on Stonewall, Washington, Monroe, West Neal and Bois d’Arc is necessary to provide a smoother and safer driving surface, improve the physical appearance of our city, and encourage new residents and businesses to move in.

We would like to thank the Commerce voters for passing a $3 million bond years ago that made this work possible, as well as the Texas Water Development Board and Texas A&M University-Commerce for contributing a significant amount of money toward the total $4.8 million repair costs.

We know the process of repairing the roads will take time and frustrate residents due to delays and road closings.

We understand the frustration. As former and current residents of Commerce, we know delays can affect the daily routines of students and residents and increase the amount of time it takes to complete errands and commutes.

But as you are sitting in traffic or having to take side streets to avoid street closures, remember the end result: streets that we no longer have to creep down because of potholes or broken curbs; wider streets that will reduce the potential for accidents; and a greater sense of pride in the appearance of our city.

Good, smooth streets will encourage more businesses to come to Commerce and more people to live in our city. Driving on new roads will also reduce the wear and tear on our vehicles.

Research has shown that well-maintained streets encourage home owners to take better care of their lawns and homes, which would increase the curb appeal and value of our properties.

By completing repair work on the water and wastewater lines first, the streets will not need to be dug up again after they’ve been repaired, at least for a while. This means the roads will be kept in good condition for a longer period of time.

The process of repairing these roads will take at least two years and will give us plenty of headaches.

But the end result will be well worth it.

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It was announced that A&M-Commerce was not allowed to have a blue field with gold lettering because Boise State University has a patent on blue fields. Would you have liked to seen a blue Memorial Stadium?

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