Most Stapleton residents have at one point been stuck at the intersection of Central Park Blvd. and Martin Luther King Blvd. during rush hour. The wait can be maddening as can some people’s lack of understanding of the legality of turning onto a one-way street. “If you get caught there at the wrong time, be prepared to wait a while,” said Stapleton motorist Tom Knudtson. “I usually call my parents, or read up on the news on my phone. It is frustrating and annoying, but I try to make the most of it.” Residents struggle to find an alternative route. “I could go all the way down and cross at Havana St.,” says resident Gloria Jepsen. “But, it just feels wrong to go that far past my place and come back. Plus, I hate going by the jail.”
Some residents have an appreciation for the extensive traffic. “You know, I am from Chicago,” said Tim Cox. “And when I say Chicago, I do mean the actual city, not a suburb three hours out. So, the traffic there can get brutal. I was so happy to escape it, but when I get caught at that intersection, it reminds me of home.” Meena Evers agrees. “I lived in New York for a long time,” said Evers. “People drive crazy there, and if you get caught at a bad corner, you are there forever. So, the Stapleton intersection is not as bad, of course, but it does give you that homey, New York traffic feel.”
Of course, residents are already getting together signs, making calls, and starting sub-committees to see what can be done about the traffic inconvenience. “Something has to be done,” exclaimed resident Shannon Murphy. “It is just too annoying getting stuck there, and I know we can find a solution.” Evers feels the traffic is only a minor inconvenience. “It’s not that big of a deal,” said Evers. “It reminds me of a real city, and plus, I think we have bigger things going on than this.” ]]>