Lodi Avenue is in poor condition

When I cross the railroad tracks going east on Lodi Avenue, I never fail to note how poor the condition of the street is.

I also wonder why nothing has been done about it (i.e. the city doing a repaving). I'm not a race-baiter or a "community organizer," but I'm wondering out loud if the Eastsiders aren't being treated as second-class citizens. How about it, Mr. Mayor and Mr. and Ms. Council Members — any action planned?

Bob Marconi
Lodi

City of Lodi Communications Specialist Jeff Hood responds to Marconi's letter

No street has received more attention from the city of Lodi over the last couple years than East Lodi Avenue. Significant expenditures of staff time and public money have been invested in preparing for a major rehabilitation project in early 2010.

Since 2007, the city of Lodi has held numerous meetings and public workshops to come up with a design and plan to renovate the street. There are numerous press releases and studies available on the city's Web site related to this upcoming project, and the workshops and plans have been covered by the local news media.

On Oct. 21, the Lodi City Council awarded a $2.5 million contract to Granite Construction to remove the paved-over railroad tracks; reconstruct the pavement with nearly 12,000 tons of asphalt; and install 2,100 linear feet of concrete curb and gutter, 17,000-square feet of concrete flatwork, decorative street lights, pedestrian crossings and landscape elements. In addition, the city will be installing 24 mosaic tile medallions along the sidewalks.

For more details, use the easy-to-find search function on the city's Web site, www.lodi.gov.

Reader Feedback

Rhodie wrote on Nov 5, 2009 5:36 PM:

" Seeing the relative square around Lodi with future bike lanes that might be a good atteation. A Lodi Loop ride. maybe a couple phases, a speed ride once around, an endurance race a few times around and then a closing just for fun ride for us beginners at a leisurely ride. "

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Rhodie wrote on Nov 5, 2009 5:30 PM:

" Thanks Mr. Hood. I took a look. I just about choked on my green tea seeing that Ham lane is considered to have a bike lane though. The few times I was on there before I learned the traffic behind me actually had to slow down to my speed and wait for the next lane to open up before passing.

I am glad to see more bike lanes planned, but I still doubt there is room on lodi ave or Cherokee for a suitable bike lane. Maybe like the one that is on Ham then? "

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Jeff Hood wrote on Nov 5, 2009 11:59 AM:

" To Rhodie,
I created a file on the City's website for you to review the bicycle transportation element of the draft General Plan. It is www.lodi.gov/bike.pdf ... If you desire, you can contact the Community Development Department with any concerns, or let the Planning Commission know on Dec. 9.
To Mr. Marconi, the News-Sentinel keeps the letter writer's identity secret when asking the City to respond. No disrespect intended. "

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Jerome R. Kinderman wrote on Nov 5, 2009 10:08 AM:

" RV - I fail to see how Hood's response is in any way indicative of a man whose nerves have been pricked. He simply took the time to quickly and honestly address the concerns in the original letter.

In fact, he pointed to the City's website as proof that Lodi Avenue hasn't been avoided out of any racial or other underhanded reasons. It sounds to me that once the project is completed, those on the west side of the tracks might be a little miffed. "

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RV wrote on Nov 5, 2009 9:37 AM:

" Gee, Mr. Hood, I did not intend to prick a nerve. It's nice to know that all these years' of meetings, resources and planning for east Lodi Ave. have been going on. I and many others are looking forward to their coming to fruition. By the way, it's "Mr. Marconi." "

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Rhodie wrote on Nov 5, 2009 7:56 AM:

" Refering to the last paragraph from Mr. Hood:

I realize there isn't much room there but it would be nice if there was a bike lane planned along Lodi Ave as well. There are a couple of stores I wouldn't mind shopping on Cherokee (with kids in school I bike to stores). Since Cherokee doesn't have a bike lane of it's own I have to find a close side road to ride on. A direct Lodi ave bike path would allow safer and more direct travel on a well populated road. As is, if I want to go to the stores I have to ride on Kettleman to Beckman rd, past 99 and up to a connector like Lodi ave. "

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