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Session 1679, Minutes September 30, 1996 Page 10 METROLINK EAST/WEST ROUTE The City Manager said University City homeowner members of Historic Neighborhoods Association, Inc., have sent a letter to Council asking them to adopt a resolution favoring the Highway 1-64 east/west MetroLink route over the Millbrook/Forest Park Parkway alternative. If the latter route should be selected, the Association wants the Council to do whatever is necessary to ensure the safety, viability, and property values of all adjacent neighborhoods. In addition, they want the City to share with the Association all relevant information affecting any possible east/west route. Ms. Nancy Kennedy, 7140 Westmoreland, was concerned that a precedent would be set if MetroLink is allowed to operate on grade in residential areas. IfMillbrook/Forest Park is chosen, it must go under- ground through a tunnel. Mr. Arlen Jolly, 7550 Delmar, spoke in support of a MetroLink route that will serve University City di- rectly on an east/west route. He said property values near such a route appreciate, and reminded those present that University City started as a streetcar suburb. He said modern lines are much quieter than the old streetcars or a modem expressway. Ms. Dorothy Petersen, 7069 Pershing, was opposed to a MetroLink line on Millbrook, on Forsyth and on Wydown. She said none of these would serve the Loop. She also noted property values, while probably escalating some distance away, would suffer for those adjacent to the line. She said many have moved to University City because it is quiet. She asked about the proposed routes. Mayor Adams said one proposal follows the Millbrook/Forest Park Parkway to Clayton; the other major proposal would come from the hospital complex in west St. Louis and follow Oakland/Highway 1-64 west, with possible routes on Clayton Road, or north on Skinker to either Forsyth or Millbrook, turning lef~ through University City to Clayton. Another proposal cuts through Forest Park in a tunnel from 1-64 to Millbrook. Cost figures on all of these proposals are not yet available. He noted that any route along Millbrook/Forest Park would be below grade level and not visible from street level. Mayor Adams said he would never agree to an ongrade line down Millbrook. Mr. David Olander, 7114 Kingsbury, said it would be a terrible mistake for University City to miss the opportunity to enhance its public transportation. Mr. James Fredericks, 7300 Westmoreland, acting president of Historic Neighborhoods Association, Inc., said this group has members from 10 neighborhoods and was organized to show its preference for the southern route for MetroLink along Highway 1-64, and their objection to the northern route on Millbrook. He said four speakers from the group will present various aspects of the group's position. The group also wants the Council to adopt the resolution specified in their letter of September 25, 1996. Mr. David Smith, 7323 Maryland, urged the Council to adopt a resolution in favor of the Highway 1-64 MetroLink route. He suggested that route was best because 1) it goes where people want to go, passing