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Russ and Sandy Langer 11922 190th Circle NW Elk River,MN 55330 (612)441-0146 To: Elk River Park and Recreation Commission City of Elk River 13065 Orono Parkway P.0.Box 490 Elk River,MN 55330 fbE - Proposed Paved trails in School view Addition near Elk River Arena June 5, 1999 Dear Elk River Park and Recreation Commission members, As property owners near and immediately adjacent to the proposed trails near the Arena,we have a number of Serious concerns and strong objections to the proposed trails. ,Safety Issues-The neighborhood has many young kids who play in or near the existing cul-de-sac and proposed trail area. A large part of the appeal of the neighborhood is its privacy.Increased traffic,both from cars driving by and parking near the trail,and from people on foot raises numerous safety concerns for our children.We know our neighbors and watch out for each other. In our current society,we do not want or need more unidentified people,who may or may not be trustworthy,in our area. Destruction of natural wetland area-We feel the Park and Recreation Commission should work to enhance natural areas,not destroy them.The proposed area has numerous trees,abundant wildlife with deer tracks seen,numerous rabbits,and other small creatures.It is also a bird haven containing bluebirds,blackbirds, mourning doves,robins,tree swallows,finches,chickadees, and many other species.Removal of the trees,destruction of the wild area,and creation of a paved trail,will destroy the habitat of this unique wetland area. Drainage-Topographically,the area is at the bottom of an extensive drop in neighborhood elevation.During storms the street floods,creating multiple large puddled areas to drive through.These puddles flow downhill to the drainage ditch which is the site of one of the proposed trails.The existing houses in the area are at or near minimum dry elevations.Without the proper drainage homes could potentially begin to flood.We believe that altering the drainage ditch would add to already existing water problems.Is the City planning on installing sewers to care of potential drainage problems that could occur with altering the drainage ditch? IIISense of Privacy ruined - This is already an issue with the High School,behind the wetland,in many of our backyards. We live with existing noise,traffic,and student problems.We do not want our front yards turned into another problem area. nigh School smokers-This problem still has not been solved in the 4 years of the existing path between the neighborhood and the Arena.The City,and/or the High School does not,will not,or cannot enforce the problem of under-age students smoking on their way to and from school,littering,and gathering in groups just off of school grounds.Adding another trail will only add to an already existing trouble spot.The School does not pick up the student litter,nor does the city.The neighbors should not have to pick up,supervise,or monitor students,or other people who are not acting responsibly. Alternatives already available-A preexisting sidewalk pathway through the area next to the High School parking lot already exists.What is the sense of adding another paved trail,one block away to an area that already has a preexisting path? Who actually wants these Paved trails in this area? - Is there any documented actual need for paved trails in these areas? After speaking with numerous neighbors,I have not found anyone who is in favor of paving the existing path or the creation of a new paved trail in the proposed areas.Have people who live in the area been asked about this issue or is this part of some"grand plan"of which we know nothing about? Are there specific survey results out there that we as citizens know nothing about.To receive a mailing notice on the Saturday before a Wednesday evening meeting makes us concerned that"something"is being attempted without any real attempt to get citizen input. Why the trail Proposal at all?-Elk River has paved trails such as WoodLand Hills and Lions Park already in existence.How often are they used?Perhaps development should occur in preexisting trail systems before further destroying other natural areas.We do not see any point in paving a drainage ditch to connect a private cul-de-sac to where? Elk River has many fine natural areas already in existence.We do not want destruction of these"natural areas"for the creation of " ficial"paved asphalt or concrete pathways,particularly in areas in which we see no need. We are strongly opposed to paving the sting pathway through the neighborhood next to the arena and to the creation of another paved trail through a unique and beautiful natural area. a-).-ie 37 1- Sa4teila /II- , -‘71 Thank you. Russell J. and Sandra M. Langer