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, � � Mr. Tom O'Keefe. P.E. December 7, 1999 Page 4 . efforts to minimize the noise and vibration impacts along the corridor. This will include working with the cities and property owners along the corridor and the north shore of Long Lake to provide optimal noise and vibration mitigation. It is important that Mn/DOT continue to work with the City toward finding a way to provide berming along the corridor west of Old Cn-stal Bay Road. Both Mn/DOT and the property owners west of Old Crystal Bay Road would benefit from the provision of berming. The property owners would gain some measure of mitigation of the noise and visual impacts of the road and railroad. Mn/DOT would Qain a cost-effective method of disposing of a substantial portion of the soil from the exca��ation needed along the corridor, as well as a substantial amount of goodwill. Mn/DOT has indicated the obstacle to the berming is the , need to acquire additional right-of-way for the berms. If the City,the property owners,and Mn/DOT continue to work toward a solution,with a focus on the benefits to all parties,we should be able to find a solution that is acceptable to all parties. In recent discussions with the residents south of the Orono Industrial District,the residents have requested that,rather than constructinQ a retaini.ng wall on the north side of the corridor in the area of the Orono Industrial District;a vegetated slope similar to the one on the south � side of the corridor be used on the north side. This would minimize the reflection of noise from the corridor back to the residential neiQhborhoods on the south side of the corridor. It would also provide a more natural aesthetic character, which would be more similar to the current chazacter of the corridor. 5. Residents along the corridor, whose propem-will be partially or totally taken for right-of- way purposes,have been trapped in their homes for several years. It is important the decision process regarding partial versus total acquisitions be accelerated; and that acquisitions, particularly hardship acquisitions, be completed as quickly as possible. The City and the residents along the corridor need to know as soon as possible how the right-of-way process will work, who from Mn/DOT will be worl:ing with residents, and what the timing of the process will be. Principles to Guide the Citv of Orono and Mn/DOT throu�h the Final Desi�n Process 1. The City of Orono,including the Mayor,City Council,Design Review Committee and staff, have always believed the"right"approach«•as to be straightforward,participative and"big � picture"oriented. The City has not tied its approval of the preliminary layout to the resolution of issues that are not directly related to the preliminary layout. The City is confident that Mn/DOT will continue to work as a partner with the City to resolve issues at the proper stage in the project process. It is important this approach guide the interaction between the cities and Mn/DOT. � �