Hello again (City Council Members & Senior Staff):
After sending an email yesterday suggesting we do more to incorporate nature into our town, I was thinking that perhaps we can solve concerns over safety and nature in one fell swoop.
Rather than installing sidewalks with curbs to help keep pedestrians safe, consider planting trees instead. Trees would make a wonderful barrier between cars and pedestrians... and enable our town to have more of that nature feel that we love.
I realize that my idea may sound "preposterous," "undoable," or "absurd," but try to think of it more as "forward-thinking."
Middle Avenue at El Camino seems to be a very wide street. When/if a bicycle overpass is installed, can you "improve" Middle Avenue by putting a nature path along both sides of the road?... i.e. a nature trail (or foot path) buffered by trees liking our retail stores and parks?
I ask the City Council and Staff to be mindful of the following:
1. Our city's symbol is a TREE, but sadly I am starting to wonder if it ought to be changed to a high rise building or cement block.
2. In order to maintain the "quaint" feel of our town, pedestrians should be prioritized.... not "connecting" our streets so commuters can get places faster.
3. Imagine if we could all step outside our front doors, easily access a nature trail, and walk along it to run our errands, take our children to school, and get to work. I realize this may be a challenge for some of you to imagine, but PLEASE let's at least BEGIN to imagine... especially where construction is underway or in the planning process. I think it can be done if we open our minds.
4. It is never too late. I understand that planning for some projects have been underway for years. I understand that some construction is already being built. PLEASE do what you can now... Please don't throw in the towel. Please don't cave to interests that outweigh those of our residents... at least those without financial gain in mind.
5. Residents first. PLEASE remember that we have chosen to live here for a reason. PLEASE remember how things were when we chose to live here. PLEASE remember that we are NOT trying to attract MORE people to our already overcrowded city, schools, parks, roadways, etc. We are trying to IMPROVE our city so that we can all continue to enjoy living here together.
Thank you for your time today,
Kimberly Novello
