I read last week’s article on “Capital improvement priorities” with interest, the portion about shoulder improvements on Fountain Hills Blvd. in particular.

I consider the two-lane section from Arroyo Vista to Pinto a major eyesore and discredit to the town in addition to the pedestrian/bicycle safety issues. It would seem a fool’s errand to spend $600,000 paving shoulders when making it a proper four lane, with left turn lanes, to match the rest of the boulevard is what should and will eventually happen.

When Fire Station No. 2 is relocated there will be a significant increase in emergency vehicle traffic on Fountain Hills Blvd. regardless of which location is selected. We should make a serious effort to find a way to make this happen.

An item that should be added to the list of priorities would be to open the connection from Via Linda through to Palisades Boulevard as was originally intended. I believe that the town should begin the process and renegotiate with the City of Scottsdale as a community and safety benefit we should have.

If Shea is closed by an accident or construction then travel to emergency medical treatment is severely impacted.