We would like to thank the Cook County Board of Commissioners for prioritizing the safety of children, seniors, and all residents by voting to build a sidewalk along County Road 7 from the corner of 5th Avenue West (old Gunflint Trail) to the Birchwood Apartments at 8th Avenue West in 2014.
This sidewalk has been a top priority of the schools and community since 2010, when it was identified as a missing sidewalk connection from West Grand Marais over to the school zone as well as to the Sawtooth Mountain Clinic, North Shore Hospital and Care Center, Community Center, and the YMCA. This area has seen an increase in traffic of all forms and has been a major safety concern. The new sidewalk will provide a safe walking connection for the many young families, school children, and seniors who live in the 8th Avenue area, at Birchwood Apartments and at Sawtooth Ridges.
We commend the Board for demonstrating that you value the safety of our children and seniors in this important and heavily used area. We would also like to recognize the many community members who attended the meeting and commented on how this sidewalk will improve the safety of their families. By working together, we are able to better meet the needs of our community.
Gwen Carman,
Sawtooth Elementary Principal, ISD 166
Peter James, Administrator,
Great Expectations School
Rita Plourde, CEO,
Sawtooth Mountain Clinic, Inc.
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