Letter: Project will destroy trees, neighborhood

I would like to thank The Gazette for its March 25 article 'New sidewalks fill missing links, but rile some in C.R.” about city construction projects and the project planned for 34th Street SE, as well as Councilman Scott Overland's comments regarding finding a solution that meets the needs of our neighborhood as well as the city.

I am a newcomer to Cedar Rapids having purchased our home on the SE side two summers ago and appreciate the accommodations I see being made in the city to encourage bikes and walking, but I am surprised by the cost and scope of this proposed project.

My wife and I purchased this home because of the natural beauty surrounding it, but this project in its broadest scope would take up to 16 feet across the entire front of our property and require significant loss of trees along the street to put in a sidewalk on both sides of the street.

How will the neighborhood significantly benefit from having sidewalks on both sides of the street? By adjusting the scope of the project and perhaps reducing the width of the road it has been suggested that the intent of the project could be accomplished. This would require less land, less destruction of the natural beauty, hopefully slow down the speeding cars that pose a tangible safety risk, and perhaps save money.

I hope that the city will consider this as it meets this month to finalize plans.

Steven Nurre

Cedar Rapids