From pat.harris@ci.stpaul.mn.us Sat Jan 15 16:02 CST 2000 Return-Path: To: Steven Hauser Subject: Re: Connect I35 downtown Steven - Thank you for your note on Ayd Mill Road. As long as I can remember, = neighborhood groups, citizens, policymakers, and others have been at odds = over what to do with this short stretch of concrete. As your new = councilmember, I have already heard much discussion on this issue. As an = active citizen, I have worked on this issue for many years. Without going into great written detail (I invite you to call my office to = chat or feel free to set up an appointment to come in and chat), I will = tell you that there is not an easy answer to this answer. At the very = least, however, I refuse to be political on this issue and have consequentl= y stated my position from the beginning. It may disappoint you to know = that I do indeed favor a connection (two lane version with greater traffic = calming, reverse metering, a few ramp changes, lane reductions on Lex, and = a move to push for increased transit). However, I have come to this = conclusion after careful thought about citizens' concerns, the reality of = what can be accomplished with my 6 colleagues, and the overall impact to = our neighborhood. In coming to my decision, I looked carefully at the amazing impact of = traffic in the lex/randolph area and its accompanying safety and quality = of life issues, I looked at traffic across the neighborhood, I looked at = pollution, I looked very closely at concerns with respect to paying for = suburban travel through our residential neighborhood, and I looked at what = was fair for all citizens in our city. With regard to a 35E connection at 94, I have been saying for over ten = years that if we can put a man on the moon, why can't we connect two = simple roads!!! With that, it is good to see other councilmembers sharing = this view. Maybe we can actually get it done and avoid the pile of = traffic through our community. I assure you that I will be looking into = this issue.=20 Ultimately, however, I want improved transit in our community. Until = policymakers can come to this conclusion, however, we are placed in a = position of dealing with the problem we have. In the end, I think Ayd = Mill road can work for our community. It's merely up to us to ensure that = it works fairly for everyone in St. Paul. Thanks again for you note. It is great to see citizens coming forward on = this important issue. As I indicated, I could spend years writing on this = topic. Feel free to give me a call if you would like to chat more on this = or any other issue. Pat Harris 266-8630