Readers in favor of median improvement project

The votes are in, and despite the traffic tie-ups caused by the beautification project currently taking place in the median of John Wayne Parkway, a majority of respondents to this week’s InMaricopa poll are in favor of the project. The project will run into early 2022 and is designed to create a positive first impression of the city to visitors entering Maricopa from the north.

“The scope of the project includes a monument in the center median along with improved landscaping including a variety of trees, shrubs, rocks, gabion baskets, and other decorative elements,” said Nathan Steele, the city’s Chief Economic Development Officer. Steele added that similar landscaping will be added on the shoulders of John Wayne Parkway, “creating a clean, balanced look and a distinctive initial impression for those entering the city from the north.”

Despite the short-term hassles created by the lane closures along Maricopa’s busiest road, 59.2% of the 476 responses to the poll said the benefits of the project outweigh the drawbacks. The question we asked was, “How do you feel about the ongoing beautification project in the median on John Wayne Parkway, which will continue through the end of the year?”

Two answers – “I hate it – it’s making traffic in town terrible, and we don’t need it,” with 37.8%, and “I’m OK with some short-term traffic issues that will make the city more appealing when they are finished” at 37% had almost the same number of responses. In third place was the response, “Quit your crying, we need projects like this to attract new businesses and residents” at 22.2% of the votes, while 3% voted for, “There are lane closures on John Wayne Parkway?”