Necessary growth: Why some projects aren't appreciated until much later

Of all of the things that have occurred to contribute to the growth or quality of life in the Tri-Cities, which really stand out as key decisions?

And did they occur despite many objecting to the original idea?

Those questions cross my mind on occasion, and the Fabyan Parkway Bridge always pops up as my first answer.

It was a vital bridge, as far as growth in central Kane County was concerned, and the late Phil Elfstrom knew this as he pushed for its creation during his tenure as a county and forest preserve official. He eventually convinced others, and the bridge was built in the late 1960s.

I wasn't a newspaper columnist back then, so I don't have a good measure on what the feedback was relying a new bridge. I was actually busy trying to convince my counselor to get me out of my geometry class in high school at that time. But that's another story.

So, if the Fabyan Parkway Bridge was indeed a big development for this region, how many people initially were detractors?

There had to be plenty, considering it changed the forest preserve and river landscape and it was surely going to spark growth in the region far beyond what many may have wanted at the time.

But what would have happened without it, other than absolute gridlock on nearly every other thoroughfare in the region?

It's a reminder that many of us push back on development ideas that present a vision that isn't quite clear unless you can look well beyond the present.

The Prairie Street Bridge in St. Charles was never a popular project either, but the city fathers knew it had to go in to do its part to cut back congestion on bridges on Main and Illinois streets. At that time, they couldn't rely on the county to get a Red Gate Bridge in place to the north soon enough to address the problems.

Dubbed the "bridge to nowhere" by its detractors, I would now ask how many of those same people have used that bridge to actually get somewhere - most obviously, to the other side of the river.

Since that span opened in 1994, my unofficial guess is that my own vehicles have passed over it hundreds of times.

Are there other examples of developments or concepts that faced furious opposition, but turned out pretty well?

Send an email to the address listed at the end of this column with your ideas, and I'll share some more in upcoming columns.

Colonial's 'promoter':

John Arthur Anderson of St. Charles doesn't work for the Colonial restaurant chain that his family has operated for more than 100 years, but he might be one of its strongest promoters.

He rarely misses a chance to get Colonial involved in various fundraisers or other events in which coupons or free ice cream sundaes can be given away.

For the past few years, Anderson has encouraged me to try the fish or shrimp tacos, or the fish and chips at Colonial. He did so after reading in my column that I was fond of those types of meals.

I can now say he was right.

I tried the Los Cabos Fish Tacos, featuring grilled tilapia, black bean salsa, cilantro, avocado and chipotle sauce last week at the Colonial on the west side of St. Charles, and had the fish and chips a few months earlier. I enjoyed both quite a bit.

In the meantime, he's completed another of his important tasks - saying good things about his family's business and convincing people to try it.

Facebook's rabbit hole:

I don't make comments on Facebook as often as those who post on a regular basis - and it seems that is a wise move, based on what unfolds sometimes on this social media channel.

And my preference to not spend a ton of time on Facebook has nothing to do with the recent security slip-ups. We all take that chance with anything we do that is digital in nature.

It is true that chiming in on a thread, slipping in a humorous note, or sharing something family-related or nostalgic on occasion is fun.

But to get engaged in anything political or those in which someone is just venting about something not worth spending the time to vent about - like complaining about a community event staged by volunteers - equates to a waste of time.

In many ways, Facebook provides an outlet for belligerent types who likely can never get anyone around them to listen or engage in meaningful conversation.

Sadly, Facebook also has exposed the inner feelings of some folks who you found fairly cordial and sensible in the past. But once they get to say what they want without a filter, you find out they reason things out in a far different manner than yourself.

Again, nothing inherently wrong about that, other than your own tolerance level to engage in such conversations.

This isn't a call to abandon Facebook. I wouldn't take that advice from someone who is not on it that much. Plus, I will continue to glance through it on occasion and maybe offer a thought or two.

You have to decide for yourself if nonsensical exchanges on a social media channel are making you angry or even ruining your days. The same could be said, I suppose, about newspaper articles or political ads on TV, which seem to be based more on a Facebook type of mentality - let it fly and see what sticks.

I would say this: When I was the editor of a newspaper, I dealt with some fairly bizarre phone calls, office visits and letters to the editor from people who … how should I say this … just "thought differently" from the norms of society.

If you are going to engage on Facebook on a regular basis and encounter comments you can't believe someone would utter, I would also say this: Welcome to my past world.

Nuts about Stooges:

To say I am anxious to see The Three Stooges shows from Las Vegas that will take place at 3 and 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21, at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, would be a bit of an understatement.

How much so? You'll find out next week when I share my addiction for these great comedians and provide a little preview of the shows.

dheun@sbcglobal.net