Fw: Support Trails and Open Space

[Bruce&Linda Dwyer]

Final letter. 
----- Original Message ----- 
From: Bruce&Linda Dwyer 
To: William D. Euille ; Rob Krupicka ; Redella S. Pepper ; Paul Smedberg ; Ludwig Gaines ; Joyce Woodson ; Andrew MacDonald 
Sent: Thursday, February 19, 2004 9:16 AM
Subject: Support Trails and Open Space


Dear Mayor and City Council,

Re: Docket Item #8 DEVELOPMENT SPECIAL USE PERMIT #2003-0036 PICKETT’S RIDGE 

The Alexandria Bicycle Committee strongly supports the city staff recommendation made to the Planning Commission for an easement for a future trail connection as a condition of this SUP. This is exactly the kind of connection called for in the Open Space Plan adopted by City Council this past spring and in the Bicycle Transportation and Multi-use Trail Master Plan approved by City Council in 1998. 

The Bicycle Committee previously identified Pickett's Ridge/Buzzards Gap as a potential path, along with vacant land behind the Firehouse on Seminary Road, for safe routes to schools and recreational facilities. 
This route would connect the Holmes Run Greenway, Beatley Library, Polk School, Patrick Henry School, Hammond Middle School, Burke Library, and Fort Ward Park. 
*Further, in the recently completed Recreation Needs Assessment Study multi-use trails ranked first, with 63% of the respondents saying multi-use trails were very important for developing and maintaining new recreation facilities. 
*Further, multiple Rails to Trails Conservancy studies and surveys show that trails most frequently lead to reduced crime and increased property values. 
*Further, a trail in very similar circumstance in Forest Park at the end of Francis Hammond Parkway has been a asset to our neighborhood for years. 

Now, with an Open Space Plan received and supported by a broad range of Alexandria's residents, we are hopeful that you will show a commitment to trails by voting to support the staff recommendation for an easement. Please vote to keep this trail linkage available for future use by the children and adults of Alexandria.

Thank you
Bruce Dwyer
Chair, Alexandria Bicycle Committee
703-549-3263
ouibike at att.net