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The Victoria

GAZETTE

March 2011

Letters continued

To the Editor:

         The City of Chanhassen is continuing to pursue the Minnewashta Parkway and Highway 5 upgrade with a pedestrian tunnel that will supposedly connect to a future trail at the MN Landscape Arboretum. 

         It seems this will be paid for by a $1 million federal grant with a corresponding 20% match ($200,000) by Chanhassen.  Chanhassen states that based on current projections (without considering potential increases from utility charges),  the city's responsibility is $110,000.

         First off, why is Chanhassen taking on this project?  Check the maps.  The intersection falls completely within the City of Victoria.  When the crash occurs, it is the Victoria Fire/Rescue that responds.

         While I recognize both the Chanhassen and Victoria residents have much to gain from the planned highway improvements, why is Chanhassen bearing the costs of managing this project?  Chanhassen states there is some form of reciprocity agreement in place with Victoria, which I don't understand.

         While I support all highway improvements at this intersection, which unfortunately do not include signals, I cannot support the addition and cost of a tunnel that goes where?

         Chanhassen states the Arboretum will connect a trail to this tunnel once the residents across from the intersection vacate the property.  This could be years down the road.  Eventually when the Arboretum provides their trail, Chanhassen states the Arboretum will allow ungated access to their trails and gardens for those using this new access point.  However, the city states they do not have that in writing.

         Reality is, there are minimal (if any) pedestrians crossing the highway to get to the Arboretum.  The closest access point is an old non-maintained road just to the east of the intersection.  Lack of footprints in the snow indicates minimal crossings.

         With government budgets in a crisis, how could we ever justify both the federal and city expenses that will be incurred with this project?  Chanhassen states, however, that the City of Victoria and Arboretum will split the matching costs, thus reducing Chan's share to 1/3.  Do our neighbors in Victoria support their share?

         I would ask the Chanhassen city planners to drop the tunnel project and work with Victoria to pursue what's really needed, signals!  With signals in place, pedestrian crossing signals could be in place when the Arboretum eventually puts its trail system in place.  We use pedestrian signals at the Highway 5 and Highway 7 intersections with Highway 41.  Why not at Minnewashta Parkway?

         While signals are pursued for Highway 5, let's not forget the other end of the Parkway, at the intersection with Highway 7.  Here many, many more residents (joggers and kids on bikes) dash across the highway to access Cathcart Park and the railway bed trail just beyond.  Signals are a must here as well.

         April 11th is the Chanhassen Municipal Consent Public Hearing on the project.  I ask others in the Minnewashta Parkway area to attend and express their views both pro and con.  We should not squander the opportunity to use our tax dollars more effectively.      

         Charles Anding

         Minnewashta Parkway

         Chanhassen, Minnesota

 

To the Editor:

         Hi.  I was at the fishing contest in Victoria a couple weeks ago and a picture was taken of me wrapped in a pink princess blanket.  I have been looking for this picture in your online paper and cannot find it.  Could you be so kind as to email the picture to me or let me know how to track it down.  Thank you for your time.

         Jill Hager

         Belle Plaine, Minnesota

 

To the Editor:

         It's fun that you drew Kay Meuwissen's name out of your minnow bucket last month as the $10 winner.  This will help with buying stamps for her monthly letters. ☺ This month's fishhook was quite easy to find.  It is on Jerry Chapman's Metropolitan Ford ad on page 22.  Happy St. Patrick's Day to everyone.

         Ethel Schneider

         Shakopee, Minnesota

 

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