Some SE property owners oppose bike trail

Council meeting draws many citizens

SLEEPY EYE -- A standing-room only crowd packed the Sleepy Eye Council chambers Tuesday at an information meeting about a walking and bicycle trail around SLeEPY EYE Lake.

A small but vocal group of property owners repeatedly voiced their opposition to the trail, which would be built in 2007.

Earlier this year, the 2-mile trail project received 80 percent federal funding. The trail is estimated to cost $313,238. Federal funding would pay for $173,231.

The city of Sleepy Eye earmarked $43,207 in matching funds.

The trail would include 20-foot wide property easements and a 10 1/2-foot bituminous width.

Councilor Gary Windschitl explained that the idea of a trail around the lake has been discussed for many years but never became reality due to lack of funding.

"Now we have access to federal funding for a trail that will connect Allison and Sportsman's parks," Windschitl said.

Property owners Greg Bart and Harold Bart questioned the trail and let it be known they wanted no part of it.

Greg Bart asked why an informational meeting was not held before the city applied for federal funds.

Greg Bart said he tried to set up a meeting with Mayor Jim Brooch, but was refused.

"We ambushed Sleepy Eye City Manager Mark Kobe in this office and talked about it, " said Greg Bart.

Council President Wayne Novotny, who filled in for Brooch who was absent, said it was illegal for councilors to discuss the trail funding until it was approved.

Francis Heymanns, who lives on South Shore Drive, which will be used as part of the trail, opposed the project.

"They're moving us out of our houses," said Heymanns. "I left an urban area for peace and quiet. Now I'll lose that"

Several other property owners questioned what would happen to property values after a trail was built and the initial worth of lakeshore property.

Some owners said the trail would prevent lake property development.

Kobe said bike trails make property more desirable and valuable and would improve development.

Mark C. Kemmeter, coordinator of staff at the New Ulm Diocese, asked if the trail's location of private property was negotiable.

Novotny said it was, and it would be the subject of future meetings with individual property owners.

The treasurer of the Schoenstatt Sisters -- reading a letter from the retreat center -- said the group was grateful to the city for providing water and sewer service to their property. She asked the council to consider the fact that they use the property for religious retreats for young children and seeks a quiet, secluded venue.

Other concerns included beer parties, cutting down trees, accident liability, increased crime and other violations such as using snowmobiles and ATVs on the trail.

Mankato City Engineer Ken Saffert said police quickly eliminated snowmobilers on Mankato trails after property owners called 911.

"We haven't had any problems in 10 years. People don't have beer parties on trails. They're too out in the open," Saffert said.

"I understand your concerns. The trails have become so popular in Mankato that property owners are willing to pay all the costs."

Novotny said if the council never did anything that upset property owners, Sleepy Eye would have gravel roads and outhouses.

Letters of support from various civic groups and Sleepy Eye schools were distributed by the council during the meeting.