INFORMATION #1 03-25-1996INFOR ' ATJON
March 22, 1996
Letter to City Council,
Let me start this out by saying that I'm all for the Menards project. Just a couple of
issues I need to get of my chest.
#I-WOODLANDS. I hope the city council can come to a compromise with the
developer and find a way to preserve some of the natural beauty this plot contains. We
all know that the easiest way to build a development is to start from scratch. (NO
TREES-FLAT LOT). Well the easiest way isn't always the best. I understand that there
are some elevation concerns involved, but with all the timber in there I would think some
trees match up with final grade; that aren't in the way of buildings. Also, why not save as
many trees possible along Hwy. 169? With the signs that will be on the highway
informing motorist of what is in the development, I don't believe knowing what is in
there will be a problem. Let's add to it's beauty by preserving it's beauty. If we continue
to destroy trees that have been around for 75 to 100 years, Elk River will have to hire a
forester to take care of all the small trees that take there place.
#2-TRAFFIC. I live three houses east of Hwy. 169 and on the north side of 197th Ave.
By adding 12,000 to 14,000 cars per day on this already busy residential street; you will
be increasing the number of people that think my driveway is some kind of mm-around
I suggest adding a fight-in fight-out off of 169. this would reduce traffic on 197th Ave. I
am aware of a deal that was made with MN-DOT that hampers city in adding this option.
but if city made that deal, why not make another one to allow this to happen? There are
several right-in right-outs along Hwy. 10 at many businesses in Ramsey and Elk River.
There will also definitely have to be stoplight installed at HWY. 169 and 197th Ave. Just
try and get across 169 sometime on a Friday afternoon in the summer time. This has to
be one of the busiest highways for boats and campers I have seen. In my opinion we
need to try and develop to the east & west on HWY. 10 in the future. If this trend of
building to the north on 169 continues; we will have to install a walkway over the
highway just so our kids can cross safely.
Jeff Meyer
11475 197th Ave.
Elk River