The Brookfield Scene

We have all heard of the term “frame of reference.” It means that we are influenced by our environment and experiences.

I have lived in the Elmbrook Area for a long time.

Now that I live in Brookfield, my geographic frame of reference has changed. My current frame of reference is mostly limited to the area between Calhoun and Barker Roads and between North Avenue and Bluemound Roads. Most purchases and services fall within those boundaries. Brookfield Square’s Boston Store is one notable exception.

When I lived in Elm Grove, my geographic frame of reference was different. During those years I rarely ventured beyond 124th Street and Moorland Road or beyond North Avenue and Watertown Plank Road. Most purchases and services fell within those boundaries. Brookfield Square’s Boston Store was one notable exception.

Think about your own geographic frame of reference.

I routinely travel on Calhoun Road. Traffic patterns were severely disrupted during the re-construction period last year. The widening of Calhoun Road between Gebhardt and Bluemound Roads did mitigate a visually impeded intersection at Oak Park Row. A much needed stop light was added at the intersection of Calhoun and Wisconsin Avenue.

Many homes along Calhoun now have very shallow setbacks. Some homes that had been at street level are now on a man-made hill with a steep drop-off. (Those areas have hand-painted, man-made-stone retaining walls.)

I was thankful when the road reopened. But since then, I’ve noticed three things: (a) Drivers seem to be going faster; (b) For sale signs seem to be more prevalent; and (c) The new sidewalks are rarely (if ever) used.

While there’s not much that can be done about the homes for sale or the new sidewalks, it seems stricter enforcement of speed limits could be a revenue-generator for the city. It also seems that powers that be could reconsider future street widenings.

One more thing. Everyone who serves in government should be mindful of their frame of reference and consider all constituents.