I live on Highland Way. It is a mix of single-family homes and a community of apartments. In the spring, the street is lovely. It is lined with dogwoods and redbuds. A nice mix of people, a nice neighborhood.

Previously, there was an effort to make our street a traffic dump. The city commission decided that project should be denied. The citizens of our neighborhood are grateful.

Unfortunately, Highland Way seems to be in jeopardy again. Highland Way ended in a small cul-de-sac. Recently this area has been opened to enter the parking lot of Menards — a very large box store. Then the speed tables on Highland Way were leveled. Then, the signs forbidding large trucks from using this residential street were removed. We are not sure what is happening. 

Part of the city commission’s job is protecting neighborhoods from unfair and hazardous land development. They have recently decided not to do that part of their job.

News articles explained how giving all the power to the Planning and Zoning Commission (who are appointed, not elected) will speed up the process for land development. Contractors will no longer have to wait on clearance from the city cCommission. City commissioners will no longer be listening to the concerns of the people. The Planning and Zoning Commission will have hearings where citizens can voice their concerns, but too often citizens’ voices have little impact on decisions. Planning and Zoning appointees don’t answer to voters.

Home owners on Highland Way are being kept in the dark. This beautiful neighborhood should not be terrorized and endangered by huge semitrucks heading for Menards. Who can citizens trust to be in their corner? Changes are being made without input from the people living in this neighborhood. Where can our voices be heard? 

Anna Heller 

Bowling Green