PRECA 05-04-1988 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Maurice Anderson May 2, 1988 Page 2 If the trail were. to be developed, the design of the project? what influence do we have on What other alternatives and their costs and benefits have been considered? When will the final decision be made? The association mcnebers while not knowing the total history and all the facts surrounding the proposed trail, believe that they would receive very few, if any, benefits from this proposed trail while carrying mast of the negative .impacts of this development in addition to a disproportionate amount of the costs due to the additional taxes that Pike Lake residents already pay. They feel that .other alternatives exist that would better meet the needs of the lamer conumanity as well as the needs of the residents of Pike Lake. Pike Lake is an extremely small and shallow lake. The decline of its quality due to accelerating sedimentation can be demonstrated. Impacts like decreased water quality due to turbidity and refuse, noise, light, and pollution due to increased use are much larger on this small lake than on a larger and deeper lake. There are many other area I:akes that provide public access to water. The negative impacts on Pike Iake seem to largely outweigh even the benefits that the larger public might- derive from this project. Association members would likely support projects that would improve the quality of the lake and its wildlife. A small start towan-~s this end would be the beautification of the highway wall at the south end of the lake including the removal of the graffiti. The bank on the south end should be build up to permit planting of shrubs and trees that would improve habitat for wild birds. A related issue (beyond the scope of the bike trail hearing) would be an examination of the rapid sedimenation of the lake, probably due to runoff of sand from city streets. Associated with this runoff has been a measurable increase in the salinity of the water and associated decline in fish populations. Individual residents are currently collecting background - information on these issues in preparation for future hearings to be brought before the city council.