Jonesboro Right Now publishes contributed commentaries on a variety of topics. This “Letter to the Editor” is a reader-submitted opinion piece. Opinions presented do not necessarily reflect those of the newsroom or management. To join the conversation, visit the Opinions and Editorials or email news@jonesbororightnow.com.
Jonesboro, AR – Letter to the Editor – Once again, I am deeply concerned by the lack of safety planning for the north side of Jonesboro.
Every day, as I drive down Culberhouse and Duncan Road, I see people walking along the roadway carrying groceries, and even children in strollers or walkers. These roads have no sidewalks and, in many places, not even a shoulder for pedestrians to use safely.
Children regularly ride bicycles and scooters on these same roads, yet there is not even a “Children at Play” sign posted, despite being promised one by the city more than two years ago.
Three years ago, I was assured by the county that road shoulders would be added to improve safety in this area. That has never happened.
When I previously raised concerns about the speed bumps on Union Street, I was told they were part of a pilot project to evaluate their effectiveness. Since then, speed tables have appeared throughout the city, particularly in areas where the university students and more affluent residents live. Meanwhile, the safety concerns in our neighborhood continue to go unaddressed.
City and county governments should serve all residents of Jonesboro and Craighead County equally. The lack of investment and planning for neighborhoods where many residents cannot afford vehicles and where children have no nearby parks, playgrounds, or safe places to ride bikes and play paints a troubling picture of whose needs are being prioritized.
Our community deserves the same attention, safety measures, and infrastructure improvements that other parts of the city receive.