We moved into our quiet neighborhood in 1991, 27 years ago. We have seen many changes, including the addition of Pine Cone Road bringing much traffic, from outside St. Cloud, to the neighborhood. The plan for Pine Cone Road had been in place before the residents, in most cases, had decided to move into the neighborhood. They were aware of the plan and made their decision accordingly. But, rezoning and adding multi-family units, will change the feel and complexion of this neighborhood long after everyone is established and has bought into our community. We all bought property, in our case in West River Meadows, because of its family-oriented atmosphere. When we moved here we were even shown a blueprint to add many amenities to the park in our culd-a-sac; foot/bike path, tennis/basketball court, picnic shelter, soccer field, etc. I understand with the change of our neighborhood from township to city that plan was abandoned. We also had Covenants, which were also abandoned.

I understand “progress” but this petition is not moving our neighborhood in a positive direction. Rumor has it, that if this petition is recommended, Mr. Torborg will next attempt to acquire adjacent private lots to add to this project in hopes to address the traffic flow issues. I am not in support of changing the traffic flow in our neighborhood. It is hard to imagine that the Planning Commission or City Council in good conscience and moral integrity can drastically change our neighborhood’s feel and the value of our homes for the monetary benefit of one individual. I feel this petition is not in the best interest of our neighborhood or in St. Cloud’s best interest. I do not support this petition.

The proposal still does not address traffic flow, light pollution, noise issue, crime and a whole host of other concerns the neighborhood has that would undoubtedly accompany this project. Scrap the idea once and for all!