Re: 1981 Menalto Project

Dear Council Members:

This past August we moved into 144 Elm Street – located on the alley
running parallel between Central and Menalto Streets. In the fall we
submitted our concerns about potential development of this alley. The
purpose of this e-mail is to once again summarize our concerns.

We purchased our property, in large part due to the peace and quiet the
alley naturally offers. The alley is a unique area and should be
treated as such. As you are aware, one end of the alley (off Elm
Street) has two single family homes that were built within the last 5-10
years. Some may argue that because these homes have been built within
the alley, it’s only fair additional homes be built if desired.
However, this premise is neglecting to consider the bigger picture. The
alley has a rural feel to it and is used frequently by residents of the
Willows as a walking path (many people enjoy using the alley for dog
walking, bike riding, or simply picking the blackberries). In order to
preserve this quiet and charming area nestled between backyards, no
further development should take place. We are already confronted with
the impending construction activity and alley access from 510 Central.
We are concerned not only with the disruption this will cause in the
long-run but also the potential safety issues. The same concerns apply
to 1981 Menalto and are even greater as this may set an unfortunate
precedent for the other side of the alley.

The alley is a very narrow road and simply does not adequately
accommodate an increase in vehicle traffic. We, as well as our
neighbors in the alley, have small children who play in the front yard
and alley almost daily. Any further development in the alley would
result in a decrease in safety as well as a complete change in the
landscape and use of this area. Additional alley access for homes on
Central or Menalto (or homes built in the back lots of Central or
Menalto) would change the alley from a walking path to a street - a
street much too narrow to support any additional traffic/cars in a safe
manner.

The alley is a unique area and should be dealt with as such. We plan on
remaining in the Willows for many years. It is our goal to raise our
children here and maintain a happy and safe environment. Please assist
us in preserving the alley by not allowing any additional access.

Thank you,

Jim and Jennifer Lucas

 
Received on Thu May 11 09:36:49 2006