Agenda - Council - 04/14/2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

From: Matt Woestehoff To: Meetings Inbox Subject: Resolution #20-071 - Feasibility Report for IP20-01, Variolite Street Date: Monday, April 13, 2020 9:57:33 AM Dear City Council and Public Works teams - Back in 2017, my family was new to Ramsey and we weren't really sure what to expect. One of the reasons for our move was specifically due to Central Park being so close to our new home. We have three younger children, and thought the park would provide a destination of solace for them. Soon, we learned to do so would require and island of refuge. The traffic was fast, the hill steep, and no markings for safe passage across Variolite at 161st. My wife suggested we "do something about it", and walked to every house in the area that would open their doors. Over 50 signed a petition, asking for a crosswalk. After sending it in, I attended a public works meeting on the matter and learned much about process. I also learned that I'm not always right - something my wife reminds me of often - and that's ok. I left that meeting knowing that speed limits aren't always indicators of safety, nor are stop signs or other traffic controls wise uses all of the time. I was told that it'd be "looked at when Variolite gets reconstructed". 2020 seemed so far off, and my trust was admittedly low based on our lack of experience with small city government, and our newness to the community. It seemed like such a defeat, but we trudged on with hope. As many parents (and non -parents) know, our the days are long, and years are short. Especially today. This past week, we saw new wooden markers in our back yard, put in place by the city. Our neighbor asked the crew (from a safe distance) what their purpose was. It turns out, it was related to Variolite's reconstruction, and to make way for a crosswalk at 161st that would accommodate an island of refuge for safe crossing. Naturally, I hurried online, found the feasibility report, and learned of the proposed changes. We're one of the very few who will lose trees for this project, but could not be happier. Our small neighborhood quickly got word of the change, and a welcomed sigh of relief was communally spent. We fully support Resolution #20-071 as is, and request its swift passage and implementation. Thank you for exploring the options for a safer, and smarter Ramsey. But more importantly, thank you for including us in the process, for setting real expectations, and providing us as individuals an opportunity to connect with our neighbors. As we've all learned, there is a diverse group of perspectives and politics in town, but ultimately the vision of all of us isn't far apart - regardless of what Facebook groups may show. Respectfully, Matt (+ Mary) Woestehoff