Dear Mary,

I hope many residents will phone their councilors in support of the proposed addition to the Common Pasture project. It is not only passion for open space for its own sake, it is also reason.

Reason tells us that protecting this open space will ultimately benefit the City economically – few cities have their gateway gift-wrapped in beautiful vistas like those of the Common Pasture.

There have been many letters written in support for the various grant monies that have been applied for – grants that have brought a million dollars or more home to this community – and more grant dollars will come.

I am hoping someone will provide you with the money numbers.

Folks will be surprised when they learn how much money has come to the City in support of this project, and how little it will really end up costing the City to protect one of their most important economic, historic, landscape and environmental assets.

Marlene Schroeder