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Blank Page 1 of3 James Lehnhoff From: cynthiawheeler [cynthiawheeler@comcast.net] Sent: Sunday, June 29,2008 8:59 PM To: James Lehnhoff Subject: Comments re: 2030 Comprehensive Plan June 28J 2008 Hi James, I have perused the City of Arden Hills 2030 Comprehensive Plan and it has many positive recommendations. If, however the city wants to ensure Arden Hills will be a desirable and attractive community to live, work, and play in, both today and into the future, I believe there are four areas that need more emphasis. They are: 1) Noise As population and traffic increases, noise will play an increasing role in negatively impacting the city's livability and quality of life. Everything from the constant roar of the adjacent interstates, to the vehicle noise from busy county roads such as Lake Johanna Blvd., to loud mufflers on cars and motorcycles, to car stereos that are so loud windows in nearby homes rattle, to the noise from leaf blowers (wouldn't a broom and a rake be equally effective?) negatively impacts the quality of life for residents. Noise adds to stress levels and inhibits the ability of residents to open windows, sleep, or enjoy time outdoors. Solutions may include a variety of mechanisms such as sound barriers (walls or berms) along the interstates, traffic calming techniques along busy roads (which may have to do with road design), establishing and enforcing motor vehicle noise ordinances, and limiting decibels or restricting the use of leaf blowers. Trees can also help buffer noise as well as improve aesthetics and air quality. 2) Trees, trees, trees! The City recently developed and passed a tree preservation ordinance. This was a very positive and long overdue step. However it appears to address only private developments. What is the city's role in preserving and enhancing trees on public property? What are the city's responsibilities for replacing trees the city removes or damages during street or other city projects? Does the city have an inventory of city owned trees and a plan to maintain, replace, and enhance them? While Arden Hills is substantially smaller than the city of Minneapolis, by way of comparison Minneapolis maintains 200,000 boulevard trees in addition to its trees on public park property. We need trees for noise and visual buffers, for improved air quality, for shade, for beauty. If we want to make Arden Hilfs a desirable place to live trees are an essential ingredient. If the onus is only on private property owners the city is missing the mark. The city needs to develop an overall plan for augmenting and maintaining its trees. 7/8/2008