Archived Discussion Topics

The Tyler McConnell Bridge advisory group is about to consider several 'conceptual alternatives' for the span which carries Delaware Route 141 over the Brandywine. They range from building nothing at all to replacing the existing structure. What do you think should be done?

'Build nothing

Improve the bridge

* The existing 'bottleneck' serves to slow traffic and discourage heavy-truck traffic, while not creating congestion to an extent that it cannot be tolerated.

* Improvements at the Montachanin Road intersection and such measures as enhanced public transportation, requiring major companies to reduce the number of single-occupant vehicles arriving and departing at rush hours, greenways and better traffic management will suffice to relieve problems that do exist.

* This is the best way to preserve the unique environmental qualities of the Brandywine valley.

* The existing 'bottleneck' makes it difficult to access major employers and other destinations in the area and the situation will only get worse as time goes on.

* Like it or not, Route 141, between Interstate 95 and Concord Pike is a through route; the bridge is the only section that is not four lanes wide.

* Enhanced safety and better traffic flow are justifiable trade-offs for some encroachments on the Brandywine valley, especially since negative impact can be minimized by careful planning.

City Council has received a recommendation that it ask the General Assembly to establish either a 'metropolitan' school district merging the city with the existing Brandywine and Red Clay district or a city district consisting entirely of charter and magnet schools.

'Metropolitan' district	Charter district
Responds to the Neighborhood Schools Act while minimizing the number of under-resourced high-poverty schools. Creates the potential for better equalization of resources and sustainable local revenue with an adequate tax base. Yields greater opportunity for diversity, reducing the likelihood of racial isolation and economic flight.	Increases local control of the schools in the eyes of parents. Provides multiple options for delivering schooling in response to multiple learning styles of children. A less bureaucratic system with more local ownership Underperforming schools may much more easily be closed and reorganized.