Laserfiche WebLink
,t <br />A review of the overall County proposal for the trail shows that it is planned along the natural <br />creek waterway area until for some reason it diverts in New Brighton to the presently proposed <br />railroad tracks. I think that before this issue is quieted the trail will probably be in someone's <br />back yard. What we must demand however is that the best trail selection is made. The County is <br />going to spend about a quarter million dollars on the railroad route trail bed alone and the City <br />and County will probably spend another quarter to half million dollars in fencing and barriers, <br />security and maintenance in following years, all of which will have to come out of existing <br />budgets not presently addressed to the bicycle trail. In this era of tight budget constraints it is <br />not too much to address these expenditures and get the best we can for our dollar rather than <br />spending it on second or third best. If cost savings alone were the only issue, the Mississippi <br />Street solution would be the best since it already exists and would be-free. <br />It was apparent from those individuals testifying at the Council meeting last week, that they <br />were deeply concerned that this entire matter which directly affects them has gone on without <br />any notice to them whatsoever to participate in the discussions and final determinations. Their <br />claims are not without merit as they may have been deprived of their due process rights as <br />Minnesota Statutes 394.26 and 462.357 regarding such similar activities by a county or <br />municipality respectively, provide the requirement for notice to those adjoining property <br />owners. While I have not completed my case law analysis of this matter yet, I believe that i n <br />addressing the issue of notices for changes in zoning, ordinances, and the granting of variances <br />that the statutes and their historical background would have the intent to apply in this situation <br />as it could be extrapolated within existing definitions. <br />In conclusion I would ask that this entire matter be reopened -for public discussion and start at <br />the County recommended Rice Creek path consistent with the remainder of the trail. The <br />citizens involved will no longer concede this matter and its associated decisions being continued <br />privately and without public inputs from those affected. The County and the City may have spent <br />some time and money in planning thus far but that doesn't justify spending more good money <br />after bad. The real trail funds have not been expended nor even committed. To consider the <br />County plans as final is absurd as they don't have specifications for railroad barriers, have no <br />real plans for barriers for the adjoining property owners, and amongst-major issues have <br />apparently failed to address the greatest hazard of all at Silver Lake Road. How many other <br />issues will evolve as this whole matter progresses from one crisis and expenditure to another? <br />Now is the time to stop and re-address this entire issue and make sure that a cohesive plan for <br />this part of the trail ,and its co-existence with the rest of the trail is complete and takes into <br />account any matters of concern of the public and will result in a trail of great asset to the City <br />of New Brighton. <br />Sincerely, <br />~~ <br />avi P. reg ich <br />cc. Mayor Robert Benke <br />Commissioner Brenda Thomas <br />Lyle Bellis <br />