Current Issues in Journalism

The streets and parking lots in Lawrence are filled with giant potholes. The city tries to keep maintenance of the streets but in private parking lots potholes are sometimes over looked by property managers. In particular there is a series of potholes in the parking lot of the Pine Ridge Plaza located on 31st and Iowa. The potholes can cause traffic to build up and cause damage to the cars of store employees and shoppers.

Potholes are a nuisance to all drivers. Hitting a pothole can cause damage to the tires, wheels, shocks, and struts. It is the season of shopping with Thanksgiving and Christmas approaching and potholes can create congestion and sometimes car accidents in busy parking lots. When approaching a pothole many drivers slow down or swerve to avoid causing damage to their cars. Swerving to avoid a pothole can help avoid damage to the car but many drivers are not aware of their surroundings. Swerving can lead to car accidents and can injure pedestrians.

The Pine Ridge Plaza is managed by Inland Property Management. Darlene Erick the assistant property manager said, ”The potholes have already been reported and are scheduled to be fixed within the next month.” She also stated, “The company has general contractors that come to the property once or twice a month to stay on top of any maintenance issues that arise on the property.” Darlene can be contacted at (630) 218-8000.

Any driver will state that potholes are a menace. It is important for the city and private lot owners to provide drivers with smooth roads. With the winter season approaching it is necessary that potholes be filled. The winter weather often causes potholes to become larger. Before the snow starts to fall the city and property owners should be preventative to help drivers avoid any damages that potholes can cause.