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Strawberry Lane residents will get to review LID By TONY BOOM Mail Tribune ASHLAND - Residents of a steep, wooded area of narrow lanes west of Lithia Park will get several opportunities to make sure a local improvement district is designed to preserve the character of their neighborhood. The City Council approved formation of the Strawberry Lane LID on Tuesday, but called for public review of the project when the design is 35 percent complete. Staff also recommended review at the 90 percent level. "The area is so unique to all citizens of Ashland who walk here," said Nutley Street resident Susan Hunt during a public hearing on the district. "I want it to come back to the council for more input." Portions of Strawberry Lane, Alnutt, Nutley and Westwood streets, and Scenic Drive will be paved. Sidewalks may be installed along one side of the streets. Storm drains will be installed. Alnutt Street and Strawberry Lane would have one-way traffic because they are narrow and steep. Street widths will be narrow in many areas but will allow for emergency vehicle access. Trees will be saved wherever possible to preserve the area's character. The total project will cost $1,076,000. Developers planning 21 homes above the LID area will pay $136,618. Property owners will pay $4,140 per lot for a total of $204,930. The city will pay the remaining $735,000. Most of the dozen speakers supported the project. Many who asked for fewer or no sidewalks drew enthusiastic applause from the audience. "Think outside the assumption that sidewalks are de facto necessary everywhere," said Patricia Zolene of Nutley Street. "Be gracious and thoughtful of people living there," said Charlotte Crawley of Strawberry Lane. "But don't put in sidewalks." Sidewalks had a couple advocates, including Councilwoman Susan Reid, who is a resident in the LID area. She wants to provide safe walking areas for children in the neighborhood. "I like sidewalks, especially meandering ones," said Debra Kautcher, who is building a home on Strawberry Lane. "It's a safety issue for kids walking to Briscoe School and Lithia Park." Other speakers asked if it would be possible to put in underground utilities while roadwork is under way. Concerns were raised about the danger that ice on asphalt poses to winter motorists driving on the area's steep slopes. Several speakers urged alternative surfaces that might provide more grip. One person opposed the entire project. "You'd think I would welcome paved streets, but I don't," said Merle Mills, who has lived on Scenic Drive for 34 years. "The money could be better used in other areas." Reach Ashland bureau reporter Tony Boom at 482-4651, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.