Big Lake Pedestrian safety is at risk!

If you walk, run, skate or board in Big Lake, BEWARE. Current street projects are now being reviewed and despite the desire of residents, Powell/Will St. and Sherburne Ave. sidewalks are being eliminated.  All City residents share the sidewalk costs and all residents benefit from sidewalks. This project is designed to build roads to last 30 years.  Are we really okay with having our school children wait in the street for a bus? Or having our 7 year old walking in the street? Are we really okay saying that we need to experience an accident before we are willing to take action? Are we really okay with our Council ignoring the 2010 Complete Street Project and the 2018 Comprehensive Plan that was largely produce by residents? Originally when this project went before this council in Workshop we were assured that input from 2020 would be considered. On Wednesday we heard “There weren’t really resident responses that mentioned sidewalks”. Why would there be? Our residents responded loud and clear in 2010, 2018, 2020! To recap, our Council feels comfortable walking in the streets so we should too. People play Frisbee, Flag Football and Soccer in the streets so we should too. So, let’s dodge the delivery, garbage, repair and mail trucks – go ahead walk in the middle of the street for the next 30 years. Public Safety is #1! 

Bettina Potter

Big Lake, MN