Sunday, November 5, 2006

L.A. cautionary tale for Cincinnati

BY CHRISTINE ROBERTSON

In response to "Groups fight Eastern Corridor project" (Oct. 20): The Little Miami River is a treasure - one that local citizens and environmental organizations will not allow to be rundown by roads, rails and rubbish.

As a 25-year native of Los Angeles, I am familiar with the consequences of urban sprawl. The economic, environmental, social and health problems that piggyback this issue are the images many often have of my dear hometown.

However, Los Angeles' thick layer of smog and congestion seems to have followed me more than 2,000 miles to Cincinnati. Although this city has a way to go before it reaches the chaos and climate of Los Angeles, each day it takes one more step in that direction.

The Eastern Corridor Project is one such step. The bridge and highway that the project proposes will bring thousands of vehicles a day polluting our air and water. Habitat will be bombarded by nonstop noise and light pollution, making it inhospitable to native birds and wildlife.

The National Park Service has raised issues about the impact on the National Wild and Scenic River, but these have been ignored by the federal highway officials. Once again the yoke to protect our natural resources has fallen into the hands of the public.

Not only is the river Cincinnati's biggest local "park," it also generates economic growth for its recreational characteristics and offers locals a refuge from daily life. It is one of the few rivers in the county that isn't bombarded by sewage overflows every time it rains.

There is very little open space left in Los Angeles. We have bulldozed and built on nearly every inch. The little open land that still exists no longer houses the plants and animals it once did. The coastal wetlands have given way to roads, bridges and marinas.

These problems are real. They are spreading to Cincinnati.

The Eastern Corridor project sets a dangerous precedent for the region in the name of "economic growth." What will that "growth" sacrifice?

Every time I go home it crushes me - it breaks my heart to see the smog and coast lined with garbage and debris.

More highways and roads are not the answer. Cincinnati needs smart transportation alternatives to reduce sprawl and curb global warming. Citizens and environmental groups are struggling to see that Cincinnati acts before it gets to the point of no return.

I hope they learn from my "little" hometown.

Christine Robertson is a graduate student at the University of Cincinnati. She has lived in Cincinnati for two years and is majoring in Planning with a specialization in Environmental Planning.

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