HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-11-17 Minutes
MINUTES OF THE
Edina Transportation Commission
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Edina City Hall
4801 West 50th Street
Community Room
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Les Wanninger, Warren Plante, Marc Usem, Geof Workinger, Joni Kelly Bennett, Dean
Dovolis
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Jean White, Marie Thorpe
STAFF PRESENT:
Wayne Houle, Sharon Allison
I. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by chair Wanninger.
II. Concern of Residents
None
III. Old Business
a. West 70th Street Corridor Study
Houle reported that 1500 postcards were mailed out to residents notifying them of the meeting
on November 28 and that an ad will run in the Sun-Current on November 23. Wanninger said
the purpose of the meeting is for residents to identify issues and for the consultant to share
with the residents the traffic data that has been collected.
IV. New Business
a. Traffic Impact Study – York Place
A redevelopment proposal was received from TE Miller Development for the area at 69th Street
& York Avenue. A traffic study was conducted by Wenck Associates, Inc. WSB & Associates
reviewed the traffic study for the Engineering Department and the City Engineer made the
following recommendation to the ETC:
Review the attached Traffic Impact Study and if so desired by the Transportation
Commission, adopt a motion recommending that traffic generated from the
proposed York Place (Development) does not adversely affect the adjacent
transportation system. Staff also recommends that a Traffic Demand
Management Plan be submitted prior to city Council review, and any
improvements required on West 69th Street and the intersection of West 69th
Street and York Avenue be funded by the Developer.
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As required for traffic studies, the following four criteria were considered:
i) Does the development significantly affect the operation and congestion of the adjacent
roadways or intersections and/or result in a traffic hazard?
According to the Traffic Impact Study, no adverse impact to surrounding
roadways or intersections shall occur from this Development.
ii) Does the development significantly affect pedestrian safety?
The Traffic Impact Study did not address pedestrian safety. However, the
site plan indicates boulevard style sidewalks along West 69th Street and
Xerxes Avenue and a pedestrian plaza along York Avenue.
iii) Does the development provide opportunities for enhanced transit usage, vanpooling or
car-pooling?
The Traffic Impact Study did not address the above usages. Staff is
recommending a Travel Demand Management plan be submitted prior to
review by Edina City Council. The pedestrian plaza along with the center
roadway between the senior housing and apartment tower provides safe
drop-off areas for transit usage.
iv) Does the development provide feasible opportunities to address an existing traffic issue
or safety problem?
The proposed development does address existing traffic issues with
particular turn lanes at the intersection of West 69th Street and York Avenue.
Staff recommends that the Developer fund these upgrades.
The architect for the project, Dean Dovolis of DJR Architecture Inc., along with the
transportation engineer, Jim Benshoof of Wenck Associates presented the project. After
discussion, the following motion was made:
Usem motioned to accept the traffic study subject to two conditions: i) that the stacking
lanes on York Avenue and West 69th Street be fixed; ii) and if there are significant
modifications as the plan goes through the approval process that it be brought back to
the ETC for review. Motion seconded by Workinger. 3 ayes (Usem, Wanninger,
Workinger), 2 nayes (Bennett, Plante) and 1 recused (Dovolis). Motion carried.
b. Dial-a-Ride Presentation
Courtney Whited, Transportation Coordinator with Senior Community Services, said Dial-a-
Ride is expanding their services into Hennepin County starting July 1. For $5, seniors will be
able to ride from Edina, Champlin, Rogers, etc. This new service will not affect the current
service that is available to Edina’s seniors. Ms. Whited is working with local papers, senior
centers and senior homes to get the word out and to get volunteer drivers for the program.
V. Approval of Minutes
a. Regular Meeting, October 19, 2006
Dovolis motioned to approve the minutes. Motion was seconded by Workinger. All
ayes. Motion carried.
VI. Planning Commission Update (Commissioner Workinger)
Workinger said their agenda included the following topics:
One lot division;
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Housing Succession Plan (how to deal with an aging housing stock);
Presentation by the Massing Taskforce (size and design of houses). He
recommended that Commissioners read this report;
Comprehensive Plan.
VII. Open Discussion
None
VIII. Adjournment
Meeting adjourned.