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Session 1681, Minutes October 21, 1996 Page 6 groups supports a route along I- 170, and also an east-west connecting spur along 1-64 (education route). However, if it is decided the route should be along Millbrook, adequate neighborhood protections must be secured such as those proposed by Mr. Lieberman, as well as a requirement for underground tunnel- ing. He said those protections are needed now, before final routing decisions are made for the following reasons: nearly all municipal land use restrictions are adopted and published before development plans are submitted; final routing and engineering plans for the Millbrook route are not subject to local ordinances, setback requirements, parking restrictions, or noise abatement; a resolution is needed now because if Council does not adopt basic protective standards for the neighborhoods, it may not have an opportunity to impact critical cost considerations that will affect both funding and routing decisions. He said there is plenty of data available about this route as it has been studied since the 1980s. He pointed out the Council has taken a position on the I-170 route without specific information, so the argument that not enough information is available cannot be used as an excuse not to take a position on the Millbrook spur. He said both Bi-State and St. Louis County officials have said that Proposition M funding is sufficient to build the east-west connecting corridor without the use of federal funds. Mr. Jim Reimer, 7069 Westmoreland, opposed the routing of MetroLink along Millbrook behind his home, especially ifongrade, as he felt it would negatively affect the neighborhood. Mr. Eugene Lehr, 6955 Waterman, said the 1-64 route is the best east-west route for MetroLink and for University City, and he hopes the City Council will endorse it. Mr. Brad Buckley, 6607 Waterman, urged the Council to seek more stringent versions of the resolution before them, preferably to move MetroLink away from the historic neighborhoods. He said mistakes have been made in other cities, and a balance must be found between transporting the population and giving it a reasonable place to live. Council must take a strong stand, especially since things seem to be moving quickly; waiting may make it too late for meaningful input. He reminded Council that whatever decision they make, residents must bear the consequences. Mr. Charles Marentette, 7163 Pershing, member of Citizens for Modern Transit, said MetroLink will help solve problems with automobile pollution, congestion, parking, and trash. He felt the Highway Department's solution to gridlock will be to enlarge the parkway to either six lanes or a double deck monstrosity. If MetroLink is refused in University City, the only solution will be more problems with cars. MetroLink will reduce congestion and pollution and get people places faster. A properly installed light rail line will increase property values and provide a boost to the City's economy and civic pride. Council then considered Mr. Lieberman's resolution. Mr. Lieherman said it was important, knowing the engineering studies are taking place and East/West Gateway will be making some decisions, that Univer- sity City be in a position to let them know exactly what the City will, and will not, tolerate regarding MetroLink and its possible route through University City. He said Wash University has agreed to allow its property on Millbrook to be used for below grade transit, and at the intersection of Millbrook and Skinker it will be below ground so as not to stop Skinker traffic. The same situation will apply at Big Bend and Millbrook. Current plans call for tunneling to start where Millbrook and Pershing divide,