As an Issaquah Highlands resident who has lived here for almost eight years, I feel committed to the safety and welfare of this community.

Many of us in the Highlands feel strongly that the re-opening of Black Nugget Road will degrade the quality of life here.

We feel that any monetary benefit to a few does not justify the negative impact this decision would have.

My question to the City of Issaquah is “what exactly is it’s obligation to provide the following”:

• A community with less risk for crime ? It is proven that multiple entrances in to a community lead to easier access for criminals.

• Support for the prosperity of a local business that provides a much needed service, and which fosters friendship and community.

• Ensure a safer neighborhood park, which many children use daily.

Re-opening Black Nugget Road would destroy a neighborhood park and a Montessori school that relies on a safe pick-up and drop-off capability.

The road that connects the Highlands to Black Nugget is extremely narrow and is not designed to handle the amount of traffic and speeds that would occur.

I would like to know if the City is prepared to provide compensation for the cost of backing out of an established agreement with a local business, residents who purchased homes with the promise of Black Nugget Road being closed, and the residences in the Black Nugget community that would need to deal with the increased congestion and unsafe speeding that occured on that hill.

Furthermore, all of these entities would experience a degradation in property values and revenue.

Is this price worth providing convenient “back-door” access to the highlands for a couple of residents that seek a few minutes quicker route into our community.

Leslie Warrick, Issaquah