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Minutes - San Leandro City Council Meeting - May 15, 1995 Page - 3 - PUBLIC COMMENTS (continued) J. Ellen Geis said the East Bay Municipal Utility District has found toxic contaminants in the creek and has asked the residents to sign a five- year contract to allow cleanup. She said the toxins have been found all the way down to Hyde Street, and the Root Park project is premature in light of these findings. She said the park will not be used by the residents of San Leandro. K. Rita Hartley, expressed concern about the cost of the project. She said cleanup of the creek is desirable, but the cost is too high. She said the funds should be used for other needs, such as pothole repairs. She said Root Park is well maintained and funds should only be spent to keep it looking nice. L. Rosalie Holmes, 218 Arroyo Avenue, said she lives next to the park and has suffered a lot of vandalism and crime. She said the trees in the park are very old and their removal will lead to increased pollution and noise. She said the project will lead to increased crime, rodent problems, and increased traffic. M. John Kennedy, 399 Arroyo Avenue, spoke in opposition to expenditure of funds for the creek. He said removal of the trees will increase pollution. He said the funds can be used more effectively to repair streets. N. Bea Bolesworth, 1850 Dayton Avenue, spoke in opposition to removal of the dahlia garden. She said the park project will result in more concrete. She said the City should create a skateboard area for children. 0. Barbara Oliver, 615 Tudor Road, read a speech on behalf of Jessica Furillia which urged the City Council to approve the Root Park project. The speech described the benefits to the community, including better lighting of the creek, reduction of crime, a place for children to learn about nature, etc. She said the project will benefit future generations as well . She said the creek is one of the last unculverted creeks in the East Bay. P. Lyle Dennis, 442 Arroyo Avenue, said his property backs up to the creek. He said the property does not belong to the City of San Leandro; it belongs to him. Q. Glenn Hilton, 687 Pershing Drive, said the Root Park project will be a tremendous asset to the City. Removing the non-native foliage will stop people from sleeping in the creek. He said he has visited Creek Walks in other cities, and they have attracted new business and homeowners because of their beauty.