Park Pointers Sound Off On 'S-Curve' Proposal

DULUTH - There is growing outrage from Duluth Park Pointers as a plan to move the "S-Curve" in their neighborhood sits in the hands of Duluth city councilors. Monday, the council voted to put the Park Point controversy on the back burner after hundreds of people showed up at the council meeting. Some Park Pointers are calling this plan to change the road an attack on their unique neighborhood."We just want the city of Duluth to leave us alone," begged 20-year Park Point resident John Bray. Park Point residents showed up at the meeting with red bands wrapped around their arms. They explained that it shows a sense of unity, and while the controversy has brought the neighborhood closer together, the reasoning behind it isn't what they'd hoped for."Public officials who act supposedly on our behalf are acting in this arrogant matter where they know what's best for us," said W. Michael Medlin. His family has lived on Park Point for more than 90 years, and he owns three properties on the point."We're not going to be silenced,” Medlin said. “We have to be heard because what they're doing is unconscionable." For the last year and a half, the Park Point Small Area Planning Committee has been working on recommendations for what the city should do about changing the “S-Curve” and clearing up the confusion about public-versus-private street ends. When it comes to the curve, the new plan would move it from its current location at 13th Street up to 8th Street which is essentially right after crossing the Lift Bridge. "What problem is it that they are trying to solve” asked John Bray. “The fact of the matter is there is no transportation problem on Park Point." The city says the new curve will help the flow of traffic and make it easier for people to access the new hotels along Minnesota Avenue. People living in the area are sticking to their guns and saying they like the “S-Curve” where it is and never asked for a plan like this. At the meeting Monday, multiple Park Pointers accused the city of having a hidden agenda when it comes to the topic. They also said at this point, they don’t trust any city officials to take their opinions into consideration. No word on when the Park Point topic will be back on the city council agenda.