CLOSING VITAL STREETS

CLOSING OUR STREETS WHILE WE SLEEP! NOT AGAIN! I am angry, and you should be also! (Check DOTD and the Ellis Administration).

Word on the street is that Louisiana's Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) plans on closing two main go-through roads in the Black community in Monroe - Renwick Street to Hwy 165 and Louberta Street to Hwy 165 - no longer allowing two-way traffic to enter either street. The current Ellis administration is in on that decision. I have seen a lot of decisions made by this administration that have not benefited my community, but this one will really hurt. What will this do to our community? How many of us pass from one side to the other going to Carroll, the recreational centers, or other businesses via these streets/ routes? Where will drivers of the community be redirected? How many of our businesses will be affected? I know, for one, Reddix Dental Clinic will and dozens of churches, stores, and businesses in the Booker T or Foster communities as well. How thoughtless is it to close off these exits without even a word to the community it will affect? Would this even be considered if it was on the north side of town or across the river? This reminds me of days of old that I am reading about in my dad's time when the powers that be manipulated the government to control or direct politics according to selfish regard and totally negated the good of the minority community. Somehow or another, beneath it all, it's all about power - economic and political. Either is not aiding in the progression of our city and is UNACCEPTABLE! I sure hope word on the street got it wrong, but just in case it didn't, we need to shout loud and clear, "No, no, no, DOTD...No! No! No! Ellis!" Not here, not this time, not ever! Respect our opinion, respect our position, and respect our community!