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Fresno holds open house, asks for comments on public access to San Joaquin

November 8, 2008 -- To: The General Public and Cycling, Running, Kayaking and Fishing organizations

Subject: Invitation to an Open House to review the City’s proposed plan for a Lewis S. Eaton Trail Extension and public access to the San Joaquin River.

The City of Fresno is holding an important Open House on Monday, 11/17/08, 4pm to 7 pm to receive public comment on a proposed Lewis S. Eaton Trail Extension downstream from Highway 41. The proposed Trail Extension is located within the Fresno City limits. The City Public Works Department and its consultants are developing the plan.

Background: The property is the “Old Spano Ranch” property that is now owned by the State. It was purchased with State bond money that was approved by the public to provide public access to the San Joaquin River for recreational use, among other things.

Proposed plan: The current proposed location of the Lewis S. Eaton Trail Extension is a considerable distance from the San Joaquin River, much like its upstream segment. It would also include paved parking lots in the river bed.

Comments on Proposed plan: The public generally finds the Trail’s current proposed location to be unsatisfactory and generally wants the Trail Extension to be along and very near the San Joaquin River, much like the American River Parkway within the city limits of Sacramento. Additionally, the public generally does not want paved parking lots in the river bed. Adjacent property owners definitely want City services to be more than adequate and to be continuously funded by the City (e.g. fire protection, vandalism suppression, law enforcement, private property security, Trail and sanitation maintenance and trash collection.)

Public comments: Please plan to provide comments relating to the proposed plan by attending the City’s Open House or by e-mailing the Project Manager, randall.morrison@fresno.gov. Your desires and your concerns are important and the Public Works Department wants your written comments.

Let’s ALL assist the City in designing a desirable, functional, recreationally friendly environment along the San Joaquin River for future generations.