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