Be patient, road benefits to us are on the way

Dear Editor:

For many months now, we have been reading about the big construction project to replace the Mark Clark Bridge and the improvements to Highway 532. Lots of concerns, understandably.

On May 18, Stanwood even made the front page of the Everett Herald: "Stanwood Anxious Over Road Project." Anxious? The project is much needed and long overdue.

I would like to comment on a few of the additional benefits our town may be enjoying, aside from the obvious finished project.

This will bring a lot of new people into the area; and some of the construction workers might be shopping here while they are in town. Who knows what could develop among local businesses?

Restaurants, coffee shops and stands, gas stations and others may see some new customers. Some locals may want to shop "local" just to avoid the project.

Recently a construction crew was replacing sidewalks in Mountlake Terrace, ripping up concrete in front of the Omega Greek Restaurant. On the first day, the owners brought out cold water to the workers.

The crew started buying their lunches there every day (great food!). Omega even began to offer a "Construction Workers' Special."

It would be good business to plan ahead and welcome these hard-working people who are helping to build Stanwood's future and the new bridge.

If the noise bothers anyone, try earplugs. It will be inconvenient for many, but it will be worth it in the end.

Welcome the construction workers, rather than being anxious and irritated. It could actually improve the economy here in some surprising ways no one could expect.

Remember that saying, "Give 'em a brake"? Patience will go a long way to improve this situation!

Robin Carmichael
Cedarhome
Stanwood