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Dear City Council member, <br /> Thank you for your leadership in the community during this challenging decision making <br /> process. Also, thank you for your support of the survey research and educational <br /> program. We know that you have been following this closely and are interested in the <br /> results of this process as you consider your vote in December. <br /> The Chamber chose the role of educator and facilitator throughout this process. We've <br /> also been thoughtfully considering the information gathered and have a much better <br /> understanding of the two routes and have prepared an analysis of the two routes <br /> (enclosed). <br /> New information has come forth as a result of the educational program that wasn't <br /> available when the resolution supporting the around town route was made in 2006: <br /> a. The construction of a bypass route is uncertain due to funding shortfalls. In a <br /> recent meeting with Mn/DOT, they stated that a starting date of 2015 in Nisswa is <br /> probably optimistic. How will delay of this route impact current and future <br /> investment in Pequot Lakes? <br /> b. If a bypass was built, it was assumed to have overpasses—this is no longer true. <br /> c. The neighboring communities have all decided to keep the existing highway <br /> alignment—Pequot alone will be bypassed. <br /> d. In the long term costs of both routes are a wash—due to turn back maintenance, <br /> future development on the bypass, etc. <br /> e. Safety of both routes is equal in the long term. <br /> f. The intercept study showed that 59% thought the visibility of the businesses was <br /> important. <br /> g. While we worked hard to educate the community,just over half of the surveyed <br /> residents read information about the two routes in the Echo or Shopper. <br /> h. The resident survey showed that the preference for a bypass vs through town was <br /> very close (44.4%bypass and 36.8% through town)—with over 19%having no <br /> opinion. <br /> i. Just over 57% of the businesses who responded felt the through town route was <br /> best for the community. <br /> Based on this new information, the Chamber supports a through town route. <br />