Despite the cheering and horn-honking celebration that came with the Wilcox Tunnel’s reopening last week, a community council representing several neighborhoods near the tunnel said it is not pleased with the tunnel’s renovation.
The North Brainerd Community Council, which represents 11 neighborhoods within the Eastdale/North Brainerd communities, said in a statement the city should continue seeking funds to build a new tunnel adjoining the first.
“We cannot accept the notion that a major renovation of any type has taken place,” according to the three-page written statement signed by Ezra Harris, chairman of the North Brainerd Community Council. “The existing tunnel is still not equipped to handle emergency personnel equipment, buses or large-scale vehicles.”
City Councilman Yusuf Hakeem said the $2 million renovation made the tunnel safer with its better lighting and reduced water leakage.
Enlarging the tunnel was never part of this particular capital project, City Transportation Director Blythe Bailey added.