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To: Pequot Lakes City Council From: Deb Hallbeck, Sibley Station Date: January 14, 2004 Re: Highway 371 issue It is my understanding that the Pequot council will soon be required to make a recommendation to MN DOT on the future route of Highway 371. I wanted to share with you my thoughts on this important and very difficult issue. I think it is very unfortunate that the discussion as to whether 371 should stay through town or bypass town has taken on such a hostile and negative tone. People on both sides of the issue have taken to sarcasm and name calling, which does nothing to advance the discussion. Obviously, the ultimate route of the highway is of major importance to all residents of the area and it is understandable that feelings are running high. What is most important is that once a decision is made, EVERYONE in this town come together and continue to move forward and make progress. As a business owner with great visability on 371, many assume that I would be in the "through town" camp. Unlike many business owners, I can see clear advantages and disadvantages to BOTH of the proposed options and I firmly believe that this town can continue to grow and thrive regardless of which route the highway ultimately takes. However, considering all of the arguments for and against both options,there are two which 1 find most compelling in favor of the through town route. First, keeping the �-' highway through town maintains the expectations of all residents and property owners. Business owners made their decisions assuming certain access to the traffic on 371. Residents bought country property never imagining a 4 lane highway through their back forty. If the highway route stays the same, no one's property will gain or loose value because of a change in the path of the road. Secondly, keeping the road through town eliminates the uncertainty created by the unknown effects of a change in the position of the highway. It is this uncertainty that has caused many business owners to fear the bypass. No one can accurately predict what effect a bypass will have on existing in-town businesses. This uncertainty will last for at least 10 years until the bypass is constructed and becomes a reality. I believe it is this uncertainty, rather than the real effects of a bypass, which could cause great damage to the economic base of this community. The effects of an improved 371 through town are much more predictable and known,-at least in the minds of many business owners. While there are many things about a bypass which are appealing, I think the unknown economic effects of a bypass are perhaps too big of a risk for this town at this time. Thank you for taking the time to consider my thoughts. I certainly do not envy you in having to make this recommendation to MN DOT. Whatever is ultimately decided, I will support the decision and do whatever I can to keep Pequot a growing and thriving community.