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Elizabeth C. Nagel, Ph.D. Licensed Psychologist 2633 N. Innsbruck Drive New Brighton, MN 55112 612-636-0506 August 2, 1998 Mr. Cary Teague City Planner City of New Brighton 803 5th Ave. NW New Brighton, Mn 55112 RE McDonald's request for Special Use Permit, Site Plan Review and Minor Subdivision at 1168 Silver Lake Road Dear Mr. Teague, Thank you for providing information to my partner Dr. Suzanne Wright by telephone and with copies of the proposed redevelopment of McDonald's. I am co-owner of an office condominium (Innsbruck Professional Center) adjacent and to the west of McDonald's. We plan to continue our working arrangement for some years in the future. Thus any changes will affect clients whom we both see in this office complex. I am pleased with the plan of McDonald's to update the site. It will add value to this corner of New Brighton and its surroundings. It is a high use area for many people and the changes should enhance its usefulness to those who frequent McDonald's. The entrance on North Innsbruck has never worked as it was designed and cars jockey for position entering and leaving McDonald's. The only concerns I have are in regard to traffic. The amount of traffic at this intersection has increased steadily during the twelve years I have officed here. The Norwest Bank across the street with several exits/entrances, our office complex, McDonald's and the gas station/shopping center to the east all contribute to a steady stream of cars and traffic congestion. I would suggest a traffic study would be helpful in discerning the wisdom of the proposed driveway that will service both McDonald's and Minor Ford. Since this area is already congested with traffic with the Minor Ford traffic diverted elsewhere, adding the major flow of traffic into Minor Ford to the existing conditions will exacerbate the existing congestion. Then McDonald's will find people less able to enter their business than do so at this time. Also moving the exit on Silver Lake Road closer to the stoplight may raise some safety issues. At the intersection, there are a lot of rights turns on the red light, as well as the left turn traffic coming out of the shopping center, both to go south on Silver Lake Road. An exit closer to the stoplight could increase the possibilities of collision. In addition, I would hope regulations regarding signs in New Brighton are sufficient to preserve the present character of our neighborhood. Part of the ambience is its residential character and tastefulness regarding landscaping. As