PRECA 05-04-1988 - Laserfiche WebLink

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s Mr. Maurice Anderson April 18, 1988 Page 2 If the trail were to be developed, what influence do we have on the design of the project? What other alternatives and their costs and benefits have been considered? When will the final decision be made? The residents, 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 most 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. The residents feel that other alternatives exist .that would better meet the needs of the larger connnunity 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 lamer on this small lake than on a larger and deeper lake. There are many other area lakes that provide public access to water. The negative impacts on Pike Lake seem to lamely outweigh even the benefits that the larger public might derive from this project. The residents would likely support projects that would improve the quality of the lake and its wildlife. A small start towards 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 binds. A related issue (beyond the scope of the bike trail hearing) would be an examination of the rapid sedimentation 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. We would greatly appreciate your taking these questions under consideration for the May 4, 1988 hearing on the proposed bike trail. We are looking forward to your presentation of the proposed project, and we starxl ready to provide our constructive inputs. Sincerely yours, ~,c,Q,~v~tCt.~r p-~ Dietmar W. Rose • Professor