Agenda Packets - 1995/09/05 - Laserfiche WebLink

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September 3, 1995 Dear Members of the Mounds View City Council, This letter is in support of the pedestrian bridge across Highway 10 at Long Lake Road. I wrote a similar letter prior to the July meeting and wish to voice my continued support of this project. Over this hot summer, I have given considerable thought to the city of Mounds View in general and this project in particular. Most of these thoughts came as I traveled throughout the city either on a walk, on a bike ride, or on an early morning run. I am proud to be part of a city that is progressive in offering services. Mounds View was a dumpy, back-water suburb of New Brighton when I first moved here almost 20 years ago. The housing stock was failing and that is why I could afford to buy into the community. I knew of the high quality in Mounds View School District, and that was all that was upbeat about this community. The improvements to the city are amazing in these last years, and for that I thank the city staff and Council members. Our taxes have more than doubled, and I have gotten great value for that extra expenditure. I represent a vast middle of the citizenry - often labeled the "silent majority". I do not have the time to frequent City Hall and complain (or even praise) the actions taken there. I know that "there is no free lunch", and I actually enjoy paying taxes as I feel it is my duty. By the way, I also support the new water meter project! The case for the pedestrian bridge has been made many times with emphasis on the safe passage for children and seniors. The middle-aged group that I represent will also greatly benefit from a safe access to the other half of the city. As a runner living north of Highway 10, I cannot get to the few hills in this city as the early morning traffic makes crossing impossible without a long wait, and lowered pulse, at a light. I have met many people on early morning walks and runs in the same situation. It gets boring to be stuck in one triangular section when so much new scenery exists just a few feet, and a big highway, away. I have been impressed this summer by the large numbers of Mounds View residents who are out and about - walking, riding, and running. We are an active community of all types of people - young, middle, and old. The bridge will encourage an activity that is being suggested as a solution to many social problems - getting out and meeting the neighbors. With the bridge, we can meet the neighbors on both sides of the Highway. I would be happy to pay additional taxes for this project; however, with the availability of tax increment funding, I cannot see a better project for the money. Sincerely, Linka M. Holey 8192 Groveland Road