The desire to fix Malfunction Junction (Third Avenue/Florida Road/15th Street), initially resulting in a city proposal for a mini-roundabout, has been followed by a proliferation of simpler, less costly and safer alternatives from the public. Some of those now are being looked at by city staff and others have yet to see the light of day.

City Council members should take a close look at all the possibilities before they are asked to vote “yea” or “nay” on an expensive undertaking that has the potential to create as many problems as it solves and has virtually no public backing. If only the public had been consulted before the out-of-town consultants entered the picture.

There are aspects of the mini-roundabout that could put cyclists and pedestrians at risk. Furthermore, there are litigation prospects involving the taking of residents’ access to parking, snow removal and garbage collection.

Also of significance is the shaving of the end of East Third Avenue (The Boulevard), which could jeopardize its standing on the National Register of Historic Places and its role as a tourist attraction.

Anyone looking at existing designs will recognize the complexities and problems involved. As politicians often say about campaign issues, “Keep it simple.”

James Foster

Durango