HomeMy WebLinkAboutA020 - Email from Iowa Bicycle Coalition to Council regarding Estates West, 2nd Addition Jeri Neal<wink@iastate.edu> To bobanncamp@aol.com,drice827@msn.com,
Iarson101 aol.com, ldollr
rmaha ni isunet.net, matthew 10/14/2008 12:14 PM Y �@� goodman@mchsi.com,
cc ncarroll@city.ames.ia.us
bcc
Subject Consent agenda 22. Resolution approving Major Final Plat
for Estates West Subdivision,2nd Addition
RE: Resolution approving Major Final Plat for Estates West Subdivision, 2nd Addition, no
convenient public access to park
Members of the Council and department representatives
With respect to the process, developer and park management concerns about how to construct a
stable trail, I'm strongly in favor of the city giving serious reconsideration to requiring an
easement in the development. Such an amendment to the final plat would 'build in' valuable
flexibility for future trail development, and does not have to 'lock-in' any further action for any
of the parties at this time.
Why bother reconsidering, especially at this point in the process?
Big business is strongly in favor of increased, not decreased, attention to health - quality of life
issues and trail connections are a significant game piece used to attract and hold quality
employees. Recent business investments in communities provide real-time proof that this is a
key economic consideration for business:
Council Bluffs -- Google specifically cited the network of area trails as an important
consideration in their decision to choose this location
Cedar Falls -- John Deere specifically cited the network of area trails as a reason for putting their
recent expansion in that location
Huxley-- Monsanto specifically cites proximity to the Heart of Iowa trail as a reason for their
choice of location.
An action to create an easement can only increase desirability of the properties and the perceived
quality of life index for Ames. We know that use is tied to relative ease of access, so building in
opportunities for appropriate connections is important. It's definitely worth the trouble to
re-address the issue. Thank you for your consideration.
Jeri Neal,
,Board Member and Secretary, Iowa Bicycle Coalition
President, Friends of Central Iowa Biking
916 Ridgewood Avenure
Ames, IA. 50010
"[of course] sustainability takes forever.That's the point".
J.L.Neal,Program Leader
Eco Sys&Res
Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture
515-294-5610