HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-15-2014 b1 McNicholsKremke, Kate
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
131 07/15/ 14
Anthony J. Mejia I City Clerk
city of sin Luis oBispo
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
tel 805.781.7102
Mejia, Anthony
Tuesday, July 15, 2014 10:44 AM
Kremke, Kate
FW: Laguna Lake Natural Reserve Plan
�Uti_ 1 2414
AGENDA
CORRESPONDENCE
Date - Is, ry Item# !l
From: Craig McNichols [mailto:kregers420)gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, July 15, 2014 10:02 AM
To: Ashbaugh, John; Carpenter, Dan; Christianson, Carlyn; Codron, Michael; Dietrick, Christine; Lichtig, Katie; Marx, Jan;
Smith, Kathy; Mejia, Anthony
Subject: Laguna Lake Natural Reserve Plan
To: City Council Members and City Staff
From: Craig McNichols, city resident and homeowner in the Laguna neighborhood
First of all I want to thank you for taking the time to read this letter and for giving consideration to the future of
Laguna Lake. I believe that the lake is a valuable resource to the city as open space and as wildlife habitat, as
well as a great spot for people to enjoy. I want to encourage the council to take some action based on the
comprehensive plan that has been prepared.
I own a home on the lakefront which I have lived in for 18 years. Admittedly, I will be affected more that most
by the decisions made moving forward, although I am fortunate that my home is on the eastern arm of the lake
where there is still some depth and the effects of sediment are not yet apparent. I believe that if some action isn't
taken soon, we will have a swamp rather than a lake, and I think that would be a loss for the city as a whole.
I am concerned about the ten million dollar price tag for the dredging plan. Just a few years ago there was a six
million dollar estimate to dredge the entire lake back to its historical boundaries, including the removal of a
small forest. I am wondering why this more practical solution (and much better solution) is projected to cost so
much more.
I am also wondering if the current drought has provided the perfect opportunity to save some money and get a
jump start on the soil removal. I would think that by the Fall of this year there will be some areas dry enough to
get earth moving equipment in there and start digging. I would encourage you to look at the feasibility of this
option if you have not done so already.
I understand that property owners in this area may be assessed to help cover the cost of the project. While this
concerns me personally as I am a one income household and often struggle to cover my current mortgage and
expenses, I do believe that this is appropriate, as those of us on or near the lake have the most to gain. I would
only ask that you try and keep these assessments at a manageable level.
Thank you again for your time and efforts,
Sincerely,
Craig McNichols