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Amy Hoffmann <br />3500 Glenarden Road <br />Arden Hills, MN 55112 <br />612-805-9519 <br />amyrhoffmann@gmail.com <br /> <br />March 8, 2021 <br /> <br />Dear David Swearingen, <br /> <br />I’m writing to express my support for the trail along Snelling Avenue south of County Road E. This trail <br />will greatly improve the safety of this corridor for pedestrians and bikers and will connect these <br />neighborhoods with broader trail systems in the area. After attending the City Council meeting on this <br />topic earlier in January, I understand there are concerns around the cost of the trail that need to be <br />addressed before the project is approved. I’d like to share perspective and feedback on these concerns. <br /> <br />Of utmost priority for the City Council should be safety of our residents in the area. This stretch of road <br />is heavily used by pedestrians and bikers, and improvements by way of a curbed trail in this area is <br />greatly needed. As a family with three kids, we use this road almost daily and a dedicated trail would <br />improve the accessibility and safety of the area. On numerous occasions, we have personally witnessed <br />and experienced vehicles driving at excessive speeds, swerving, and not paying attention to the road. <br />Because of these facts, it is imperative the City Council make this needed investment in a curbed trail. <br /> <br />Additionally, students within certain area of Valentine Hills Elementary School and Mounds View High <br />School are not available for free busing as they are considered in walking distance of the respective <br />schools. Given the current state of the road and lack of a dedicated trail, I would not feel safe sending <br />my kids to walk to school. <br /> <br />During the City Council meeting, certain members of the council raised concerns about the cost of the <br />trail due to complexities arising with a water main and toxic soil. I suggest that the council prioritize the <br />trail and find solutions that meet the needs of the residents. Below are a few ideas the City Council <br />could consider to drive towards a solution: <br /> <br />1. Instead of the wide paths in other recent improvements such as the path from E2 to E along <br />Snelling, allow for a narrower curbed trail that could accommodate 2 people. I would think 4-6 <br />feet wide would be sufficient and would reduce cost of the trail. <br />2. For any section of trail that is particularly driving up the cost such as the toxic soil and steep <br />shoulders, consider skipping a trail in that section and resume trail where it is feasible to do so. <br />Doing this would allow for a vast improvement in the most cost-effective way. For example, if <br />any section is too steep or possibly where toxic soil is located, simply shift the trail back to the <br />shoulder of the road. <br />3. Consider moving trail to the East side of the road where there are already curbs in Lindey’s park. <br />This side of the road may mitigate the water main and toxic soil issues. As the trail gets closer to