Millhopper Road, which currently provides a scenic bicycling option, may soon have hundreds of additional cars, because a cut-through road is planned between Millhopper Rd and 39th Ave. This road would connect to SpringHills, a development that will have more commercial space than Butler Plaza and more than 2,000 homes.

As an alternative, a pedestrian/bicycle greenway is being suggested by David Flagg, a former state representative and Gainesville city commissioner. The greenway would help preserve the unique nature of Millhopper Rd, protect a wildlife corridor, and offer a transportation alternative with cycling and pedestrian options.

Unless action is taken immediately, the road will become a reality. Please express your opposition to the road and support for the greenway. The e-mail address for the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners is: bocc@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx Additional contact information is available at http://commissioners.alachua.fl.us/index.asp. Also consider other options, such as contacting county manager Randy Reid and planning director Rick Drummond, writing letters to the editor, and using other public opinion methods.