Attn Kim Bereis,

I am writing to you to oppose the NCDOT proposed change to Merrimon Ave. As an 8 year resident of Asheville Primarily North Asheville and most recently Weaverville I have used Merrimon Ave almost daily since I moved here.

I object for the following reasons:

1) What I believe will be a negative impact on businesses during and after construction.

2) Pedestrian and cycling safety will be negatively impact due to increased speeds and narrower lanes.

3) Ignoring or avoiding the needs of local residents, city studies and recommendations and Federal guidelines for safety.

4) Alternates are not presented

5) Greenway projects are ignored or avoided

I am therefor requesting that the NCDOT do the following:

1) Partner with COA Department of Transportation plans  – Asheville In Motion AIM

2) Refer to the Asheville City 2025 Plan

3) Consider the NCDOT Community Characteristics Report

or

4) Do nothing as this may be a better plan than the one being proposed.

Sincerely,

Bruce Noll