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Attachment 3 211 prevent tree loss if roots are disturbed. Ms. Quinn also referenced recent City Communications 212 celebrating an award for natural resources management, which highlighted the importance of 213 preservation. 214 215 She urged the Commission to prioritize saving both the mature trees and the privacy of the 216 abutting neighbors, who did not expect or want to live next to a park. 217 218 O.Gault,2021 Herschel St. 219 O.Gault, 2021 Herschel Street, spoke in favor of retaining the path. She noted that she walks the 220 path year-round and, although it has never been shoveled, neighbors continue to use it in the 221 winter. She emphasized that residents are not asking for anything new but simply want to 222 continue using the existing walking path, which she has relied on for the 30 years she has lived 223 in the neighborhood. 224 225 Ms. Gault explained that she was unaware until the initial vacate notice that some abutting 226 property owners did not want people walking on the ROW. In response to the closing of the path 227 she created an on-line petition, and within one week it received 98 signatures representing 68 228 households, all supporting the continuation of the path. 229 230 She expressed regret that the issue has become divisive between abutting homeowners and the 231 rest of the neighborhood. However, she emphasized her hope that both the path and the 232 greenspace can be preserved. 233 234 D.Urswell,1731 Shryer 235 D.Urswell, 1731 Shryer Avenue, spoke in favor of preserving the path. She expressed concern 236 for children living on Mid Oaks, noting that without the path they cannot move between 237 neighborhoods without running across busy streets. She emphasized that the path has served as a 238 well-established neighborhood connection for more than 30 years and that it is unfair to isolate 239 children by removing it. 240 241 Ms. Urswell stated that children should have the opportunity to take the healthier route of 242 walking along the path, rather than being forced to rely on motor vehicles to travel between 243 neighborhoods or access local community amenities. 244 245 J.Pribyl, 1738 Skillman Ave. 246 J.Pribyl, 1738 Skillman Avenue, spoke in support of the path. He stated that he enjoys using the 247 path and appreciates that this unique situation is being given thoughtful and creative 248 consideration. He noted that the path serves as a connector between neighborhoods as well as to 249 the University of Minnesota agricultural fields, which welcome walkers and provides a large 250 open space for recreation that his family takes advantage of often. 251 252 Mr. Pribyl also highlighted the importance of the trees, noting that they have long existed 253 alongside and within the ROW. He expressed appreciation that everyone’s input is being 254 considered and that the process has allowed neighbors to hear and understand each other’s 255 perspectives. 256 6 Qbhf!32!pg!354