Wegman's (and our representatives) - Can't they do more?

Previously posted at baloghblog.

I reposted it at geddesblog, because I feel that this post raised several relevant points in regards to the Geddes/Fairmount area.

1. Wegmans has an opportunity to improve it's accessibility and promote good health by making their stores accessible by foot/bike. Fairmount is trying to improve the walkability of West Genesee St. with the addition of streetlamps and sidewalks, we should encourage our local representatives to continue that process down into Wegman's Plaza and into Geddes.
2. County/town/local officials should be forced to walk the streets of their district at least once every six months to get a feel for what the pedestrian experiences, and get a closer view of the area, not just in a passing car. When is the last time that you saw or heard of a local representative taking to the streets of your area on foot? We need our local reps to be more aware of the neighborhoods and communities in this area. They would be ashamed of the condition of our sidewalks, or lack of an safe area for pedestrians, joggers, and bicyclists to travel on many of our roads.
   

Original post:
Typical parking lot at Wegman's Food Store (on a monday):


I got my butt up and walked down to the supermarket yesterday, because I couldn't justify getting in the car and driving down there for 2 items. (pepperoni & marinara sauce for a homemade stromboli, if you must know.) The walk is nice and about a mile each way from my home, if that. Three things I noticed? 1. there is no sidewalk that extends from the store. You have to walk in on a service road, and over uneven grass. 2. the streets and sidewalks along my route were in such poor shape, with garbage that had been there for months (doesn't anyone clean this area? DPW, etc?) 3. Why is there no public transportation that serves this store? The nearest bus stop seems to be a good distance away, with again, no sidewalk to get there.

Two conclusions: 1. Wegmans has an opportunity to improve it's accessibility and promote good health by making their stores accessible by foot/bike. 2. County/town/local officials should be forced to walk the streets of their district at least once every six months to get a feel for what the pedestrian experiences, and get a closer view of the area, not just in a passing car.

The above will not dissuade me from walking again, though, it was a beautiful sky:


Over Konsumerland:


I will give Wegmans kudos for there recycling effort, taking in not only their plastic bags for recycling, but also household batteries fort the local recycling agency:


Wegman's response can be found here.