A recent article in the Front Porch discussed the proposal of a ‘noise wall’ along MLK turning into Moline from Ironton curving around almost to 27th St. One study found that “subject properties would suffer a substantial increase in noise impacts due to the roadway project.” The intent of the wall is strictly to reduce noise for affected residents, but there are downsides. The main drawback is that the wall will block the open space view of residents. “Of all the times the city is proposing a wall,” questioned Brad Mayo. “Their timing couldn’t be worse. Do they really think people are going to vote ‘yes’ on a wall right now. Besides, explaining to Stapleton residents how bad something could be doesn’t work. All they are going to understand is how bad it is going to be now. And for now, it would be blocking their view, as well as additional construction almost right in their backyards.”
Amy Sullivan also doesn’t understand the need for a wall. “The train horn has been blaring for almost a year now, and people think a little traffic is going to bother us?” said Sullivan. “Heck, I find traffic noise a little soothing. Remember, we are all about urban living here in Stapleton. We all should have understood the potential for what other city folks deal with. We already have the crime. Might as well have the traffic too.” Residents can stop the creation of the wall with a ‘to be determined style’ vote. Majority wins. Most residents The Stapletonion spoke with say they are not interested in a wall in the immediate future. “I think it would be a big eye sore,” said Bluff Lake resident Donald Hansen. “Plus, when I want to sell, someone is going to ask ‘why the wall’ drawing attention to the issue. It will hurt property values more than help them.” Michael Klunder believes the vote doesn’t mean much anyway. “Whatever happens, residents are going to find a reason to complain and ultimately get their way,” said Klunder. “I’m guessing that area is at least 40% lawyers, so they will find something wrong with how the vote is handled. So, this original vote really doesn’t mean much.” Residents in the affected area are encouraged to completely disregard all information they receive regarding the vote so they can go back later and vehemently deny they ever received anything.