From: M Ryan [mailto:mrt1800@yahoo.com]
Sent: Tuesday, November 29, 2005 1:38 PM
To: Mike Wildgen; Dave Corliss
Subject: Burroughs Plan

 

Mr. Wildgen,

 

I noticed that the Burroughs plan is going to be presented at the meeting tonight.  I have prepared a letter to the City Commission that I would like to be considered with that agenda item.

 

We are not opposing the plan at this time, and are still evaluating the project.  The letter requests additional study on the project in regards to certain issues.

 

Let me know if you have any questions or concerns.  I believe that the letter speaks for itself and, understanding that the Commission meetings are of limited duration.  Therefore, we will not be present to address the Commission.  If you would like a representative to be there for questions please let me know and I will make arrangements.

 

Please see the correspondence below.

 

Sincerely,

 

Matthew R. Tomc

President,

The Woods on 19th Homeowners' Association, Inc.

 

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Lawrence City Commission

c/o Mayor Boog Highberger

6 East 6th Street

Lawrence, KS  66044

CC:  Mike Wildgen, City Manager; Fred DeVictor, Parks and Recreations Director

 

RE:  Burroughs Creek Corridor Plan

 

City Commission:

 

Please consider this letter as part of your November 29, 2005 meeting agenda in regard to the Burroughs Creek Corridor Plan, regular agenda Item No. 6.  Please also consider the request for additional study described below.

 

The Board of Directors of the Woods on 19th Homeowners’ Association, Inc. (Woods) has reviewed the Burroughs Creek Corridor Plan and many of the issues of key concern to us are not addressed in the proposed plan. 

 

Generally, the Woods is mainly concerned with the trail project itself.  The plan presented mainly addresses surrounding land use and real estate acquisition.

 

The main concerns of the Woods remain the same, and are as follows:

 

(1)    Storm water drainage issues related to the two drainage creeks on either side of the right of way.

 

(2)    Policing and security in and around the proposed trail and park.

 

(3)    Landscape alteration and green space preservation in light of planned parking lots.

 

The Woods still requires additional information on these issues in order to make an educated decision regarding the trail project, and believes that additional information made available to the public would be beneficial

 

The Woods requests that the City Commission ask the City Staff to provide additional information as follows:

 

(1)    Provide some general comments and direction on the storm water drainage issues in the area of the proposed trail. 

 

(2)    General overview of security concerns and discussion of how the City can avoid the problems that occurred at the Naismith Valley in recent years.  In particular, what suggestions does the Police Department have with regard to this issue?

 

(3)    Make an assessment of the annual cost of maintaining the trail in good condition and availability of revenue to conduct such maintenance.

 

Additionally, the Board is not clear on what types of vehicles would be used on the trail. The Woods has no objection to the use of bicycles, or motorized vehicles necessary for handicap accessibility on a trail.  The Woods does not support the use of scooters, pocket bikes, or similar motorized vehicles because of close proximity of the proposed trail to homes. 

 

The information provided need not be exhaustive, such as diagrams or lengthy draft plans, but rather should constitute an informed preliminary evaluation. 

 

Once the Woods and its constituent members have had time to examine the facts, the Woods will express its decision to support or oppose the trail project, or to give qualified support or opposition.  

 

In the near future, the Woods Officers, directors, and interested members would like to meet with the City planners involved in the project and discuss impacts on neighboring properties and how any negative impacts can be mitigated.  We look forward to working with the City on this important issue. 

 

Sincerely,

 

Matthew R. Tomc

 

Matthew R. Tomc

President,

The Woods on 19th Homeowners’ Association, Inc.

 

 

 

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