[Winona Online Democracy] Linda/Janice - all
I don't think the city prompted this - your new neighbor, Jason Phillips, no doubt asked for the annexation. At one time, every resident of Springbrook taxed the delicate Pleasant Valley ecosystem by moving out into the country and putting in a private sewer system. I'm guessing here, but the life of a private sewer system is about 20 or 30 years. In a perfect world and perfect soil, a sewer system may last longer. This is Minnesota and we don't have the best soil. If Phillips were to go ahead and try to subdivide this property - without annexation - it would further tax the valley's already abused ecosystem. Many sewers adjacent the Country Club have failed already. Some leach out onto the golf course (so I'm told). Unless the sewer backs up, most homeowners just let it drain out. Prior to the heroic land conservation efforts of the 1930s, much of the Pleasant valley watershed flooded. On a scale of one to 10 the soil and the Watershed scores below five. What should concern residents of Pleasant Valley more is their fresh water (well water). What will happen when their aquifer can no longer supply palatable water? Most folks have one big asset - their house. When their well water goes bad, a new deeper well will take a large chunk of that asset. As far as the big bad city goes... There's plenty to dislike about this annexation-- TreeTops, Springbrook, Valley View Estates and most development in Pleasant Valley, but don't hang the city out to dry over it. Fighting responsible development is what will cost the taxpayers. Wilson Township will be taxing its residents for legal fees and the city will be doing the same. The Winona Township flap cost the township and city plenty. The city and the township will defend their righteousness in that fight. The developer will be paying for the sewer extension. It's a chunk of money, but at one time we thought the lots in Springbrook were outrageous and nobody would spend that kind of money. Now look at it. The traffic on 17, Homer Road and East Burns Valley must be pretty crazy. As you look at all that traffic, try to imagine that each vehicle represents a family that probably flushed the toilet four to six times, dumped 50 gallons of water into a sewer taking a shower and washed a couple loads of laundry before heading to work. How many more homes can the valley handle? I agree, it's time to put a cork on the new sewers going into the valley. that's what the annexation will do. Jim Galewski _______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org
