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In general, Monroeville just doesn't seem very exciting anymore and almost feels like the Century III area, albeit its in a much more affluent area. Johnland is right when he mentions that Monroeville has basically stagnated. Places like Robinson and Greensburg continue to progress when it comes to retail, and even the North Hills is changing, but Monroeville still lags behind. With Westinghouse about to be gone, that's a major setback to the economic climate in Monroeville, not to mention the former Boscovs at Monroeville Mall still have yet to be filled. Monroeville doesn't even have a movie theater or a Walmart. Other places such as Chili's and the ExpoMart have either closed or is being converted into other uses. The new Monroeville convention center doesn't even do justice. There just isn't a market for all these places when Pittsburgh already has the convention center and other places such as East Liberty and Pittsburgh Mills are being developed.
Last edited by neurodistortion; 02-16-2010 at 07:34 PM..
The problem with widening roads is that it doesn't really improve congestion, in the long run. First off, the problem is typically not the width of the roads, but rather poorly organized and infrequent connections. In a place like Monroeville, the lack of small streets and alternate routes basically funnels all the traffic onto a single road. Second, "opening" up road ways to traffic leads to, surprise, surprise, more traffic. If encourages the continued concentration of commerce in non-walkable areas, which causes people to drive more.
Whoever moves to Monroeville has to be willing to put up with lots of traffic. It will rule you life (when to go shopping). However, the Gateway school district is a fine one and is one of the few diverse (integrated) high schools in the region.
Took the kids to the train show at the Monroeville Conv. center this weekend and my word, what a nightmare 22 was. Between the heavy snow showers, people with cabin fever wanting to get out and the convention traffic on top of typical Sat. Monroeville traffic it took no joke, 40 min. to traverse the 3 or 4 miles from the turnpike interchange to the the Convention Center. Took the back way out of there to Rte 48 and went to Rivertowne Pour House for some good brew and a great meal with the inlaws. Haven't been there in several months and forgot how good it was. Their brewmaster's sampler was very tasty. Had to buy a growler of their amber ale to take home for Sunday's Valentine's dinner with the wife. Can't complain about their food or the quantity that you get. My inlaws were still talking about it several days later.
I lived in Monroeville years ago, it's just a very bland area. The Rte 22 strip is one of the ugliest around. I always tell people that if Cranberry is not careful, they'll become the Monroeville of the North.
The problem with widening roads is that it doesn't really improve congestion, in the long run. First off, the problem is typically not the width of the roads, but rather poorly organized and infrequent connections. In a place like Monroeville, the lack of small streets and alternate routes basically funnels all the traffic onto a single road. Second, "opening" up road ways to traffic leads to, surprise, surprise, more traffic. If encourages the continued concentration of commerce in non-walkable areas, which causes people to drive more.
Yes, you're right. Widening is not a real option in Monroeville because of the lay of the land. Also, as you pointed out, the road network is a crazy web of odd intersections, poorly placed connections, etc. Again, the hilly land plays a big role in that. Here in Tampa, the open, flat geography lends itself to a logical grid plan that allows for roads to get bumped out to 8 lanes in the suburbs.
However, the hilly layout should not be an open and shut case against some kind of smarter (let's not hold our breath for smart! even marginally smarter would be an improvement) growth.
The next problem is there are too many stoplights spaced too close together. The spacing between the Route 48/22 intersection and the intersection with Lowes is way too close and there is often gridlock. Combine with the traffic and light timing and it is a nightmare. This goes on all the way until past the mall going down the hill towards Kohl's.
See, this problem is increased when there's only one or two entrances into each plaza, usually off of Route 22. In Roninson, the shopping plazas are connected via several access roads and other alternate ways rather than just one or two entrances, which is how it should've been done in Monroeville.
I really like living and working in Monroeville. However, my son will be starting Kindergarten next year an I have heard mixed reviews about Gateway School Distict. Can anyone give me some real insight on this? Also we are in dire need of after school care, I would probaby be happier with a church that he could be bussed to. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!
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