Saint Paul Parks & Recreation planners want to start construction this year on a new roadway, parking lots, buildings and utilities on a still decomposing, gas-venting landfill hill. Current plans would pass through wetlands and violate FEMA standards for building in floodplains.

A rerouted Water Street west of the Union Pacific railroad trestle would not be able to include planned utility connections to their new buildings - due to the city's lack of legal easements. The new roadway (as planned) will create a blind corner for vehicles and pedestrians at the trestle.

We think the approximately $3 million project using state sales tax Legacy Funds would be better focused on repairing parts of the existing road that are dangerous and eroding. Any extra funds should be spent on needed environmental cleanup, trails development, interpretive signage and other efforts that truly protect Lilydale as a "natural resource based park."