Chris Birch sees roads as only way of getting from here to there.

Letters, Anchorage Daily News, January 16, 2006

It's interesting that Chris Birch advocates eliminating the city's right to take property by eminent domain for "leisure amenities," but specifically makes an exception for roads ("Eminent domain plan provides balance," Jan. 9). By allowing the city to continue to take private property, but only to build highways, he clearly shows his bias. Mr. Birch apparently cannot visualize any other transportation choices but cars. He ignores the clear advantage of using trails for transport, particularly in winter. Trails are safer, more direct, more scenic, and offer recreational opportunities, especially for children, away from traffic.

-- Bonnie Swanson

Anchorage