To the editor:

Regarding the letter “Rethink Idea for Highway 305 Bridge” by Dee Dumont in your Aug. 4 issue and other letters with a similar theme that the benefit of a bridge would be mostly for a small group, namely Vineyard Lane residents. Vineyard Lane residents certainly understand this sentiment; however, I would like to clarify for the broader community the following:

Vineyard Lane residents did not ask for this bridge and many Vineyard Lane residents are totally opposed to it.

That opposition is based on environmental, economic and aesthetic reasons. Vineyard Lane is a residential community which depends on a berm constructed by the developer to provide a visual and acoustical barrier to the lights and noise of traffic on Highway 305.

Having witnessed the environmental impact of tree loss and topography re-contouring of the STO trail first hand, many Vineyard Lane residents are very worried about the impact of additional tree removal and elimination of the western portion of the John Nelson trail. The initial design for the access ramp for the bridge involves removal of a large section of the berm and creation of an unsafe, blind crossing of pedestrians, bicycles and cars. The VLOA Board of Directors voted unanimously to voice our opposition to that plan.

There are other needs for safe, non-motorized transportation on the island. While federal grant money can benefit the community, don’t forget that the city is funding one-third of the cost for this project.

All transportation needs should be prioritized by public vote, not federal grant opportunities.

DICK LLORENS

Vineyard Lane