The following is a brief of the story. For the full version, see the Tuesday, Dec. 9 print edition of the BDN Extra.
Nearly a dozen people — not all from New Franklin — attended Monday night’s New Franklin City Council meeting to voice their opinion on the impending vote to remove the Route 5 viaduct. In the end, it came down to a 3-2 vote with the council agreeing to submit a letter of support to MoDOT to bring the bridge down.
Before the council’s vote, they heard from a number of people who did not want the viaduct removed. Shirley James, who has been adamant about preserving the bridge, presented the council with an appeal that contained 546 signatures.
“It’s not a petition,” James stated, saying that by being an appeal she was able to get signatures from people from other towns. She issued a plea to Mayor Frank Frevert and to the council “keep our memory alive.” She said that the viaduct is what makes New Franklin special. Still, she was adamant that the viaduct goes beyond the city.
“This is not just a New Franklin thing, it’s a historic landmark,” James said.
“It’s important to more than just us,” resident Karin Russell agreed. “Look at the signatures,” she said referring to the fact that people from all over had signed the appeal. She also raised the point that it’s a state road, state bridge and that it sets over a state park. “It belongs to everybody.”
As if to emphasize the point that the viaduct’s removal isn’t just a New Franklin issue, Boonville resident Todd Bosley spoke up in favor of preserving the bridge. He gave an example of Henrietta, Mo., a small town that he wouldn’t remember, except that it also has a viaduct. Bosley also said he takes his children, age eight and six, to school in New Franklin. He said when he explained to them that the viaduct might be removed they started to cry. He said he grew up with the viaduct and he would “hate for them not to be able to enjoy it.”
The issue is also attracting county interest. JoAnn Sumner of the Howard County Economic Development Council read a statement saying that her office understands the historical significance the viaduct holds. They also understand that the bridge is deteriorating and that this is a one time opportunity where the funds will be provided. She said that regardless of the vote the Howard County Economic Development Council will support the city of New Franklin.
Another issue that was brought up was timing.
“I don’t think we should rush into it,” Russell stated. After attending all of the public meetings that have been held, Russell said she gets the feeling that “something’s not right.”
