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Session 1679, Minutes September 30, 1996 Page 14 fewer parking facilities will be needed. MetroLink gives the choice of a non-polluting, high volume modem transit system as an alternative to the pollution and congestion of automobiles. He felt a properly installed light rail line will increase property values and provide a boost to the economy and civic pride of University City. If any part of the light rail line impacts property owners either by unmuffied noise, loss of an easement or visual impact, they should be fairly compensated for it, he said. He suggested that the pedestrian tunnel under Millbrook be kept so children can get to school, or perhaps a pedestrian overpass can be built. This option should also be offered to upper and lower Westmoreland, which were cut off from each other by the Parkway some years ago. Lastly, the current installation of soundwalls along I-170 should provide an adequate test of the sound deadening qualities of such barriers. They could be installed along Forest Park Parkway with or without MetroLink.. Ms. Julie Emmerich, 7154 Pershing, is strongly opposed to the Millbrook route, and agreed with all comments of those opposing this spur. She said there was too much secrecy regarding the proposed plans at East/West Gateway and the Missouri Department of Transportation through its consultant, Sverdrup. She said she had not been able to find out what the study says. She asked the Mayor how citizens can get information and not feel left out, and offered to serve as liaison between the Council and interested citizen groups. Mayor Adams said he supported the idea of a liaison and had intended to make the suggestion himself. Mayor Adams said Sverdrup expects to make its recommendation to East/West Gateway; a subcommit- tee will review and then make a recommendation to the entire body, expected in next two months. Even if that schedule is followed, there is no priority for funding or beginning of funding of MetroLink con- struction until after 2002. He said there is no assurance funds for MetroLink will be provided after the election, either. He said this is last funding year for ISTEA transportation funds; and he had no way of knowing what Congress will do about reauthorizing those funds and if authorized, what the matching percentage will be. He noted this is a very long process, with MetroLink developing over many years. He noted there were many well-attended meetings about MetroLink when Janet Majerus was mayor which tried to answer residents' questions. He thanked all the residents who attended. Mr. Lieberman suggested that in view of all the differing points of view of the residents, it was not time for the Council to support by resolution the 1-64 (southem) route for MetroLink. However, engineering work is being done for East/West Gateway, and he was concerned that it was proceeding without them knowing how the Council felt. He suggested that some kind of communication outlining what the Council's current view is could be imparted to them. If the engineering studies for the anticipated east- west MetroLink spur considers the Millbrook/Forest Park Parkway, he felt the Council would say that they must ensure the safety, viability, and property values of all affected residences including below grade routing along Millbrook and Forest Park Parkway; prohibition of forced home sales, prohibition on above grade crossings, and adequate restrictions on excessive noise, visual buffering, and sufficient passenger parking at all stations. Mayor Adams noted that in his meetings with Sverdrup, he has emphasized precisely the things mentioned by Mr. Lieberman, and if that is what is wanted, he would not object to such a communication.