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I do not support the broad scope of the "street rehabilitation" project in Hyattsville: the replacement of curbs, gutters and sidewalks, along with asphalt milling and paving. Concrete that is in good shape is being torn up and replaced, contributing to air and noise pollution and energy usage.

Concrete structures should only be replaced in sections that are in poor shape or to meet progressive code requirements, such as detachable ramp units for the disabled. On Oliver Street, my driveway apron and small sections of curbing and sidewalk were replaced a few years ago — all concrete is soon to be torn out and replaced.

The public works director wrote that the present configuration of the curb and gutter fails to perform storm water drainage functions, and new construction is needed to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. By my property, the existing curb and gutter drains fine, and the sidewalk is level and smooth. Construction tears up asphalt, and repaving is needed. Many local streets are in not in good shape (repaving was also done last year due to water line replacement).

Hyattsville could save money on unnecessary infrastructure rebuilding and reallocate money to other services while meeting the goals of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act in Maryland. Cement manufacturing is energy-intensive and is responsible for about 5 percent of human-caused emissions of the carbon dioxide, as well as a significant source of mercury emissions. Tax money would be better spent on public schools, parks, libraries, the renovation of public buildings, installing LED street lights to reduce energy consumption, retrofitting older facilities with rain-scaping features to reduce runoff to local waterways, and the planting and care of trees in public spaces (native species, and non-native species that are not exotic invasives).

Brenda Skarphol, Hyattsville