Roadway widening and opinions

In the discussion about roadway widening language that Alderman Baker sought to change, Alderman Lappin echoed Alderman Baker's objection to the following language in the draft Comprehensive Plan, calling it "just an opinion":

Increasing roadway capacity would only encourage more people to drive, which would in turn create more traffic jams on existing roadways and choke points.

Phil Herr, who was otherwise willing to see the language removed, was very clear in response. The language was not an opinion, it was proven fact.

While it always takes politicians a while to get up-to-speed with technical experts, let's hope that we're seeing the end of the more-pavement-is-the-solution school of thought.