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Community Update Fall 2007 A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR: UPDATE ON US 36 AND FASTRACKS We continue to make significant progress in transportation planning regarding US 36. In particular, we are entering the final stages of choosing one of several alterna- tives for the future of US 36. In addition in a parallel, but separate study, we are examining the rail component linking Louisville with Denver to the east and BoulderlLongmont to the 1hese are decisions that will impact our community and ultimately provide us There will be many opportunities for citizens to be engaged in this process. I encourage all of you to learn about the issues and be involved. As many of you know, there is to be a rail station in downtown final plans for that station will be determined by the Regional Transportation Department (RTD) and there are a num- ber of potentially contentious issues. Will the engines be electrically powered (EMU) or diesel powered (DMU) units? Costs, emissions, visual impact, noise impact, speeds, and reliability are only a few of the issues that will be considered. Highway 36 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has already had many public Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) was recently released to the City and the public has forty-five (45) days to give 45-day period ends September 17. Public hearings are schedulded for August 29 (Westminster), August 30 (Broomfield), and September 6 (Boulder), please see the City's web site for specific information (www.ci.louisville.co.us). Copies of the DEIS are available in City Hall and the Library. We are going through this intensive and laborious process to plan for the future of our most prominent and congested roadway. Where are the days when we deposited twenty-five cents at Broomfield or fifteen cents to go the "back way" to Boul- afFord the extra dime? I am sure that all of you are very humbled and appreciative of the honor bestowed upon Louisville by Money 1hird Best Community in which to live for 2007. I tasks before us regarding transporta- tion and change are daunting and will involve many decisions, including how do we retain our community feeling, while not resting on our laurels. I suggest that our community receives these accolades because as a community we have made some progressive, and yes, There will be more change on the horizon, and if we are inflexible in our approach, then I would suggest we will be moving backwards. We must continue to be vigilant and discuss and absorb potential repercussions and make educated decisions, consistent with the decisions that have allowed us to achieve the enviable position in which we now sit. Finally, it is with great pleasure that I welcome Malcolm Fleming as our new City Manager. Malcolm comes to us from Bellingham, Washington and has been here only a few weeks. Malcolm is a welcome addition to our community. His background, skills, and enthusiasm will bring new energy and dimensions to the management of Louisville. I invite you to come to meet Malcolm on September 18 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM (date and time are tentative) at the City Hall Open House. I thank each of you for allowing me to be your Mayor. It is a privilege and one I do not take lightly. Enjoy Labor Day in Louisville!! City of Louisville - www.ci.louisville.co.us