CCP 08-14-2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Dear Ms. Breuer, I appreciate that the Park and Recreation Board is looking at plans extending the trail that runs south of Pike Lake. I have been promoting such an idea for years. There are several concerns about the current proposal. First and foremost, please save the trees. The large vegetation along the concrete berm provides both a visual and sound barrier for the neighborhood. Whatever challenges the vegetation present for the construction of trails, the loss of these trees would negatively impact both the neighborhood and the enjoyment of the trail. Have you ever walked along the concrete berm adjacent to the highway where no vegetation exists (i.e. near the Long Lake boat launch)? It creates a very ominous and unnatural sensation. I find it downright creepy. It would not be my first choice for walking if I had other options. Second, extending the path only so far as U.S. Fitness makes me, as a resident, wonder about its purpose. Our parks and trails should, so far as possible, serve the entire community. If the intention is to provide a walking and biking route for U.S. Fitness members, this trail falls short of its potential to serve the community. I would propose that a trail should continue along the south side of Pike Lake Drive and up to the intersection of Silver Lake Road and the 694 West Bound off ramp. Such a walking and biking trail would serve not only the residents living north of 694, but those south of 694 as well. It would provide safer access to, and away from, this busy intersection than the current sidewalk leading north on Silver Lake Road. This intersection, the sidewalk and the Brighton Village entrance have been discussed before as hazards to pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. Finally this would be a safer route for school children attending Highview and Bel Aire. A bike trail along Pike Lake Drive does not need to be separate from the roadway. The road is wide enough that clearly marked bike lanes on the south side of the street would still allow for two lanes of traffic. The . south side is already marked "No Parking Anytime". If bike traffic were assigned to lanes on the roadway, a narrower trail - either asphalt or cedar chip - could easily be fit along the south side of the road without removing the trees. This would save scarce funds while protecting the vegetation and separating the cyclists from the pedestrians. Finally, there is plenty of space to provide for a trail from Pike Lake Road to the intersection at Silver Lake Road and the 694 off ramp. Although a portion of the trail will cross county or state controlled land, city staff is surely persuasive enough to gain the necessary approval. There can be no doubt that this route would provide safer access for pedestrians and cyclists. Improving pedestrian and bike access in this location has been discussed since the original plan for redevelopment of Brighton Village was presented. Past discussions have centered more around the needs and concerns of the developers than those of the residents. If this trail is being considered in the interest of the residents, then do it right. If the city is responding to a request by the developer for a trail to U.S. Fitness, don't bother. The change in the amount of safety and convenience provided by a trail that ends at U.S. Fitness is insignificant given the cost and proposed destruction of vegetation. New Brighton is a city that loves its trees, the web-site declares. It is a city committed to creating a walk-able community and bike friendly streets. If this is true, then extending the Pike Lake Trail as I have proposed above is more consistent with these goals than the proposal currently under consideration. Let's do this right for everyone! Thanks for your consideration. Nancy Grant - New Brighton Resident 1100 Robin Court New Brighton (651) 639-8427 Home phone (days and evenings) Received 816107