HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-02-15 Meeting PacketAGENDA
Regular Meeting of the
Edina Transportation Commission
6:00 PM, Thursday, February 15, 2007
Edina City Hall
4801 West 50th Street
Community Room
I. Call to Order
II. Public Comment
III. Old Business
a. York Place - West 69th Street and York Avenue: Project Re-submittal*
b. NE Edina Traffic Study Implementation Plan*
c. West 70th Street Corridor Study Update*
IV. New Business
a. Traffic Impact Statement
b. Neighborhood Improvement Projects
V. Approval of Minutes
a. Regular Meeting of December 21, 2006*
b. Special Meeting of January 18, 2007*
c. Special Meeting of January 23, 2007*
VI. Planning Commission Update (Commissioner Brown)
VII. Open Discussion
a. Transportation Comprehensive Plan Update (Houle)
VIII. Adjournment
* Note: Attachment included.
During "Public Hearings," the Chair will ask for public comment after City staff members make their presentations. If you
wish to speak on the topic, you are welcome to do so as long as your comments are relevant to the discussion. To ensure
fairness to all speakers and to allow the efficient conduct of a public hearing, speakers must observe the following
guidelines:
• Individuals must limit their presentations to three minutes or less. The Chair will modify presentation times, as
deemed necessary.
• Try not to repeat remarks or points of view made by prior speakers and limit comments to the matter under
consideration.
• In order to maintain a comfortable environment for all those in attendance, the use of signs, clapping, cheering or
booing or any other form of verbal or nonverbal communication is not allowed.
During "Public Comments," the Chair will ask to hear from those in attendance who would like to speak about something
not on the agenda. Individuals must limit their presentations to three minutes or less and cannot speak to an issue for
which a public hearing was previously held and closed or a matter scheduled for a future hearing. Individuals should not
expect the [Board or Commission] to respond to their comments. Instead, the [Board or Commission] might direct the
matter to staff for consideration at a future meeting.
The City of Edina wants all residents to be comfortable being part of the public process. If you need assistance in the way
of hearing amplification, an interpreter, large-print documents or something else, please call 952-927-8861 72 hours in
advance of the meeting.
MEMORANDUM
DATE: February 12, 2007
TO: Transportation Commissioners
FROM: Les Wanninger – Chair Person of Edina Transportation Commission
SUBJECT: SAC Members
Below is the current list of SAC Members for the above study:
Transportation Commissioners:
Warren Plante
Stephen Brown
Marie Thorpe
Les Wanninger
Jean White
Marc Usem
Hilah Almog
Other SAC members:
Peter Warner – resident south of West 70th Street
Dave Hatzung – resident north of West 70th Street
Harold Benson – resident on West 70th Street
Arrie Larsen Manti – Edina Chamber of Commerce President
Bradley Beard – Fairview Hospital President
Dan Bowles – Christ Presbyterian Church
David White – Edina Schools Transportation Supervisor
__________ - Cornelia Elementary School Representative
Robert Byers – Hennepin County Transportation Department
Wayne Norris – Minnesota Department of Transportation
Tom Foley – Richfield City Staff Member
Robert Shotwell - Richfield Transportation Commission Member
Staff & Consultants:
Jack Sullivan – Assistant City Engineer
Wayne Houle – City Engineer
Marie Cote – SRF Consulting Group, Inc.
Beth Bartz – SRF Consulting Group, Inc.
The date of the first SAC meeting will be decided on Thursday; please bring your calendars to
the meeting.
G:\Engineering\Infrastructure\Streets\Traffic\Transportation Commission\Agendas\2007 R&R\20070215_Revised York Place Traffic Impact Study.doc
REGULAR TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MEETING
REPORT/RECOMMENDATION
To: Transportation Commissioners Agenda Item No.: III. b.
From: Wayne D. Houle, PE ACTION:
City Engineer Recommendation/Motion
Date: February 15, 2007 Discussion
Subject: NE Edina Traffic Study
Implementation Plan
Information
Info/Background:
Staff would like to provide an update on the NE Edina Traffic Study Implementation Plan. As
you will recall the Edina City Council adopted the entire plan at their November 6, 2006 City
Council Meeting, see attached resolution. Staff then submitted the implementation plan as
part of the 2007-2011 Capital Improvement Program, see attached excerpt from this program.
Staff based the implementation costs on the July 31, 2006 Implementation Memo to the
Edina Transportation Commission, see attached.
The Capital Improvement Program includes the following schedule for these improvements:
2007: Arterial improvements:
Vernon Avenue and Interlachen Boulevard
50th Street & Halifax Avenue
50th Street & France Avenue
2008: Arterial improvements:
44th Street & France Avenue
Local Neighborhood Improvements:
Country Club Area – Phase 1
2009: Collector Improvement:
44th Street (this could happen in 2010 with the West 44th Street project)
Local Neighborhood Improvements:
Country Club Area – Phase 2
2010: Local Neighborhood Improvements:
Morningside Area and White Oaks Area
Country Club Area – Phase 3
Staff has contracted with SRF Consulting Group, Inc. to prepare the plans for the arterial
improvements. The improvements that border France Avenue will City of Minneapolis and
Hennepin County approvals prior to proceeding with construction. Local neighborhood
improvements such as the Country Club improvements will be included with their respective
projects.
G:\Engineering\Infrastructure\Streets\Traffic\Transportation Commission\Agendas\2007 R&R\20070215_NE Edina Traffic Study Implementation
Plan.doc
REGULAR TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MEETING
REPORT/RECOMMENDATION
To: Transportation Commissioners Agenda Item No.: III. a.
From: Wayne D. Houle, PE ACTION:
City Engineer Recommendation/Motion
Date: February 15, 2007 Discussion
Subject: Traffic Impact Study – York
Place
Information
Recommendation:
Review the attached memos dated February 5 & 9 from Jim Benshoof regarding the revised
development plan and if so desired by the Transportation Commission, adopt a motion
recommending that traffic generated from the proposed re-submittal of York Place
(Development) does not adversely affect the adjacent transportation system. Staff still
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.
Info/Background:
Staff received a re-submittal of the proposal for development of 3.7 acres located along the
southerly side of West 69th Street from York Avenue to Xerxes Avenue. The revised
development plan eliminates the 100 market-rate apartments. However, 85 senior targeted
rental apartments, and 49,000 gross square foot retail space remain, see attached fact
sheets.
Wenck Associates, Inc. (formerly Benshoof and Associates) submitted a traffic impact study
with the first submittal. Staff requested that a reanalysis of the two adjacent intersections be
submitted. Staff also contracted with WSB and Associates, Inc. to review these
memorandums.
The following is an excerpt from the May 19, 2005 Transportation Finding of Fact requirement
for Traffic Studies (comments for this development are indicated in bold):
The Transportation Commission shall consider the following four effects in the evaluation
of traffic studies that are warranted by certain zoning, land-use, conditional use permits
and final development plan applications prior to the application being submitted to the
Planning Commission and Council for consideration:
Page 2 of 2 Item III. A.
Edina Transportation Commission
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
submittal packet does include a pedestrian circulation plan, see attached
plans.
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
apartment entrance provides safe drop-off / pick-up 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 proposed uses of the site are allowed in the zoning for this area, however, variances will
be required for set-backs. From a City Engineer perspective, and based on the Traffic Impact
Study, this project will not adversely affect the major intersections of West 69th Street and
York Avenue.
Staff has also included an alternate plan that was submitted by the developer. This plan
includes all one level retail with a surface parking field.
G:\Engineering\Infrastructure\Streets\Traffic\Transportation Commission\Agendas\2007 R&R\20070215_Revised York Place Traffic Impact Study.doc
REGULAR TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MEETING
REPORT/RECOMMENDATION
To: Transportation Commissioners Agenda Item No.: III. c.
From: Wayne D. Houle, PE ACTION:
City Engineer Recommendation/Motion
Date: February 15, 2007 Discussion
Subject: West 70th Street Corridor Study
Update
Information
Info/Background:
Attached is a memorandum from Les Wanninger indicating the SAC Membership for this
study.
Also attached is a memorandum from Marie Cote with SRF Consulting Group Inc. addressing
the State Aid Requirements for a roadway such as West 70th Street. Staff would recommend
that this discussion be delayed until the first SAC meeting when everyone on the SAC can
learn about the State Aid process.
G:\Engineering\Infrastructure\Streets\Traffic\Transportation Commission\Agendas\2007 R&R\20070215_West 70th Street Corridor Study update.doc
NE
E
d
i
n
a
T
r
a
f
f
i
c
S
t
u
d
y
Im
p
l
e
m
e
n
t
a
t
i
o
n
S
c
h
e
d
u
l
e
20
0
7
:
Ar
t
e
r
i
a
l
i
m
p
r
o
v
e
m
e
n
t
s
:
Ve
r
n
o
n
A
v
e
n
u
e
a
n
d
I
n
t
e
r
l
a
c
h
e
n
B
o
u
l
e
v
a
r
d
50
t
h
S
t
r
e
e
t
&
H
a
l
i
f
a
x
A
v
e
n
u
e
50
t
h
S
t
r
e
e
t
&
F
r
a
n
c
e
A
v
e
n
u
e
NE
E
d
i
n
a
T
r
a
f
f
i
c
S
t
u
d
y
Im
p
l
e
m
e
n
t
a
t
i
o
n
S
c
h
e
d
u
l
e
20
0
8
:
Ar
t
e
r
i
a
l
i
m
p
r
o
v
e
m
e
n
t
s
:
44
t
h
S
t
r
e
e
t
&
F
r
a
n
c
e
A
v
e
n
u
e
Lo
c
a
l
N
e
i
g
h
b
o
r
h
o
o
d
I
m
p
r
o
v
e
m
e
n
t
s
:
Co
u
n
t
r
y
C
l
u
b
A
r
e
a
–
P
h
a
s
e
1
NE
E
d
i
n
a
T
r
a
f
f
i
c
S
t
u
d
y
Im
p
l
e
m
e
n
t
a
t
i
o
n
S
c
h
e
d
u
l
e
20
0
9
:
Co
l
l
e
c
t
o
r
I
m
p
r
o
v
e
m
e
n
t
:
44
t
h
S
t
r
e
e
t
(t
h
i
s
c
o
u
l
d
h
a
p
p
e
n
i
n
2
0
1
0
w
i
t
h
t
h
e
We
s
t
4
4
t
h
S
t
r
e
e
t
p
r
o
j
e
c
t
)
Lo
c
a
l
N
e
i
g
h
b
o
r
h
o
o
d
I
m
p
r
o
v
e
m
e
n
t
s
:
Co
u
n
t
r
y
C
l
u
b
A
r
e
a
–
P
h
a
s
e
2
NE
E
d
i
n
a
T
r
a
f
f
i
c
S
t
u
d
y
Im
p
l
e
m
e
n
t
a
t
i
o
n
S
c
h
e
d
u
l
e
20
1
0
:
Lo
c
a
l
N
e
i
g
h
b
o
r
h
o
o
d
I
m
p
r
o
v
e
m
e
n
t
s
:
Mo
r
n
i
n
g
s
i
d
e
A
r
e
a
a
n
d
W
h
i
t
e
O
a
k
s
A
r
e
a
Co
u
n
t
r
y
C
l
u
b
A
r
e
a
–
P
h
a
s
e
3
1
MINUTES OF THE
Special Meeting of the
Edina Transportation Commission
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Edina City Hall
4801 West 50th Street
Council Chambers
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Les Wanninger, Warren Plante, Marie Thorpe, Jean White, Marc Usem, Hilah Almog
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Steve Brown
STAFF PRESENT:
Wayne Houle, Sharon Allison
West 70th Street Corridor Traffic Study Public Hearing
Residents on West 70th Street
Chair Wanninger called to the meeting to order.
Wanninger said the sole purpose of the public hearing is for the ETC to listen to the residents.
He said all comments received thus far are available for review at the libraries, the Senior
Center, the Engineering Dept. and the City’s website. He said questions raised at the public
hearings will be answered at a later time and posted at the locations previously mentioned for
all to see. The study process will take approximately one year, said Wanninger.
Wanninger described the study area as Hwy. 100 to France Avenue and Hwy. 62 to the Fred
Richards Golf Course. He said after this first round of public hearings a Study Advisory
Committee will begin meeting to review residents’ comments and data collected by the traffic
consultants. The Study Advisors to the ETC will be made up of W. 70th residents (Earl Benson,
Dave Hatzung and Peter Warner), City staff and Planning Commission members, City of
Richfield’s staff and a Transportation Commission member, representatives from area
businesses, CPC Church, the School District, Hennepin County, Mn/DOT, and SRF, the traffic
consultants.
Wanninger said some things are already known such as congestion certain of times of day,
heavier traffic volume since 1984, speeding, crashes, cut-thru, etc. and others would be
revealed tonight. He said the rumor surrounding a 4-lane highway is false and the only
decision that has been made so far is to conduct the traffic study. The meeting was then
turned over to the residents to speak as follows:
Harold Babb, 4701 W. 70th Street
• Do not need engineers to do traffic counts and traffic flows; already know traffic is heavy
and difficult to get onto W. 70th;
• Do not know traffic patterns and there must be at least 6 or 7;
• Identify traffic patterns by doing physical counts and surveying of drivers;
2
• Develop multiple solutions to traffic flow.
Dan Giedd, 4208 W. 70th Street (letter read on his behalf)
W. 70th Street Homeowners Association
• Recognizes the commercial importance of the greater Southdale area to the city;
• Recognizes the vital component of the network of streets and walkways that comprise the
residential neighborhood;
• Maintain residential integrity by removing State Aid classification;
• Request to have active participation, not merely input into the process;
• Make W. 70th a parkway which will balance the commercial and residential needs.
Marge Andre, 4209 W. 70th Street
• Overburdened street; similar classified B-minor streets carries lighter load as intended;
• Safety: crossing road, speeding, not yielding to pedestrians, running traffic lights;
• Design of street with few traffic lights and width makes it impossible not to speed;
• Have asked the police dept. to use her driveway and have caught speeders;
• Access – cannot make a left turn out of her driveway; forced to go right into neighborhood
and back onto W. 70th.
Jan Ferrell, 4704 W. 70th Street
• Knew that there was traffic when they moved in, this hasn’t changed;
• Not looking for improvements but is afraid of detriments;
• Fear of 4-lane highway and if this is not the plan would like Mn/DOT to say so.
Josh Sprague, 4720 W. 70th Street
Chairman, W. 70th Street Greater Homeowners Association
• Gathered 500 signatures to:
o Make 70th into a parkway
o Renamed Arneson Parkway
o Blacktop road to reduce noise
o No truck traffic
o Slower speed
o New pedestrian and bike access
o Maintain current roadway width
o Beautification of W. 70th
• A concept drawing was presented showing a narrower landscaped roadway, with
crosswalks, signage and bike lanes;
• Stated that Mayor Hovland said renaming W. 70th Arneson Parkway would not be a
problem; also met with Council Member Housh and will be meeting with other council
members;
• To implement parkway vision cannot have truck traffic on W. 70th;
• W. 77th is already a commercial route;
• State Aid funds can be reallocated according to political leaders; cannot prevent truck traffic
with State Aid classification.
Kristine Norton, 7007 Cornelia Drive
• State Aid are the reasons why speed limit cannot be lowered to 25 mph, eliminate truck
traffic and Mn/DOT requirement to rebuild roadway as 4-lanes;
• Mn/DOT guidelines would be horrendous (4-lanes);
3
• In favor of removing State Aid and assessing residents for improvements;
• Supports parkway concept.
Ronald Rich, 7008 West Shore Drive
• Traffic has not increased in 20 years;
• Southdale and industrial area has been developed for a longtime;
• No change occurring; concerned that people think there is something worst going on and
therefore something must be done; also concerned that if there is going to be a change,
they do not know what it is;
• Based on the issues, it is a either/or proposition: traffic calming, etc. to preserve the
neighborhood (lower traffic volume) vs. getting more traffic through (to serve perceived
development);
• Concerned that decision is already made regarding solution;
• Supports parkway concept;
• Most of the neighbors would probably be supportive if they knew which way you’re leaning
– higher vs. lower volume.
Joellen Deaver, 7405 Oaklawn Avenue
• Story about a driver that has slowed down since the signs went up in the neighborhood;
• Cornelia School is out of control – stop signs ignored by both parents and school bus
drivers;
• Traffic education needed for immediate residents.
JB Overstreet, 4813 Dunberry Street
• Concerns regarding what the plan is; lack of plan makes the imagination go crazy;
• Reference made to W. 70th being the Western Gateway – makes it sound big;
• If there is a problem will the answer be to increase or decrease traffic;
• Moved to Edina because of top rated schools and parks, both of which are on W. 70th;
• Neighborhood would be split if roadway is widen;
• Visit the website Save70th.org.
Greg Maguson, 7001 Wooddale Ave
• In 1987 it was easy and safe to Cornelia School;
• Traffic has increased within the past 20 years, especially truck traffic;
• Limit/reduce/eliminate truck traffic by offering alternate routes, this would be a big
adjustment;
• 95% of drivers do not observe the crosswalk signs on W. 70th.
Dave Carlson, 4713 Aspasia Circle
• Participated in petition drive and there were two consistent concerns: speed – controlling
speed particularly around Cornelia School when in session; and not widening the street;
• Have heard some reassurances that there are no plans to widen the street;
• Cities serious about safety are City of Golden Valley where speed limit is 15 mph during
school hours; and Superior, WI with 25 mph on residential streets and 15 mph in school
zones;
• Safety alone is a strong reason for removing State Aid designation.
Tom O’Connell, 7333 Oaklawn Avenue
• State Aid limits creating a safer environment;
4
• Supports bike routes;
• Walks often with his five children – W. 70th is difficult to cross;
• Encouraged ETC to consider parkway concept;
• Do understand the need to move traffic in and out but look at adjoining streets to see
impacts;
• Design street to help enforce speed law.
Ted Ciardelli, 4417 W. 70th Street
• 4-lanes would be catastrophic;
• Need to make changes for the residents, not for the businesses;
Joanne Bolduc, 7001 West Shore Drive
• Ask that they look at dropping the state aid classification from W. 70th.
Colby Wilkins, 4515 W. 70th Street
• Do not think it’s us vs. Southdale;
• Galleria is #1 mall of its kind in the US; if neighborhood deteriorates so will Galleria;
• What is good for Southdale is also good for the neighborhood.
Mary Martin, 4519 W. 70th Street
• Have you considered band aid to help out with things such as speeding, in the meantime,
during the 12-month timeframe?
Wanninger reiterated that there is no plan at this time. He said the process is a year-long
study that will include more informational meetings. He said suggested solutions were shared
tonight as well as issues needing further clarification such as what latitude does the City
Council have over State Aid roadway designation; conducting an origination/destination study
which will be addressed by the Study Advisory Committee; and getting truck counts which
should be available from data already collected.
Meeting adjourned.
1
MINUTES OF THE
Special Meeting of the
Edina Transportation Commission
Thursday, January 23, 2007
Edina City Hall
4801 West 50th Street
Council Chambers
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Les Wanninger, Warren Plante, Marie Thorpe, Jean White, Marc Usem,
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Steve Brown, Hilah Almog
STAFF PRESENT:
Wayne Houle, Jack Sullivan, Sharon Allison
West 70th Street Corridor Traffic Study Public Hearing
Residents north of West 70th Street
Chair Wanninger called to the meeting to order.
Wanninger said the sole purpose of the public hearing is for the ETC to listen to the residents.
He said all comments received thus far are available for review at the libraries, the Senior
Center, the Engineering Dept. and the City’s website. He said questions raised at the public
hearings will be answered at a later time and posted at the locations previously mentioned for
all to see. The study process will take approximately one year, said Wanninger.
Wanninger described the study area as Hwy. 100 to France Avenue and Hwy. 62 to the Fred
Richards Golf Course. He said after this first round of public hearings a Study Advisory
Committee will begin meeting to review residents’ comments and data collected by the traffic
consultants. The Study Advisors to the ETC will be made up of W. 70th residents (Earl Benson,
Dave Hatzung, and Peter Warner), City staff and Planning Commission members, City of
Richfield’s staff and a Transportation Commission member, representatives from area
businesses, CPC Church, the School District, Hennepin County, Mn/DOT, and SRF, the traffic
consultants.
Wanninger said some things are already known such as congestion certain of times of day,
heavier traffic volume since 1984, speeding, crashes, cut-thru, etc. and others would be
revealed tonight. He said the rumor surrounding a 4-lane highway is false and the only
decision that has been made so far is to conduct the traffic study. The meeting was then
turned over to the residents to speak as follows:
Jonathan Fernands, 6905 West Shore Drive
• Supposition that widening is still on the table based on Sun Current’s article and that the
issue was raised by the City Council and League of Women Voters this past election;
• Encouraged ETC visit two websites: www.contextsensitivesolution.org and www.pps.org.
• Credible organizations say widening roads is not the answer.
2
• Vagueness about what can be done therefore, only conclusion is that expansion is on the
table;
• Do not consider expansion as an option.
Gail Pappas, 4500 Dunberry Lane
• Son was hit on W. 70th in 1999;
• Safety crossing the roadway;
• Please be careful and do your best and the right thing during planning.
Paul Green, 6945 Southdale Road
• Solution to speeding traffic is 4-way stop signs every two blocks;
• If goal is to get more traffic, who is going to pay for it?
• Squad car sitting waiting for speeders;
• No benefit that can be done that will be of benefit to residents;
• Southdale does not benefit residents.
Sandy & David Phillips, (Letter read by Harold Babb)
• Traffic movements;
• Stop high-rise;
• Some immediate solutions are: direct traffic to frontage road, including 66th St.; redesign
Hwy. 100 & W. 70th exit.
Dan Berntsen, 6728 Point Drive
• Difficult for bicyclists to get through; create a system that would tie in with Hopkins and the
western suburbs.
Kate Overstreet, 4813 Dunberry Lane
• Studies to tell us what we already know;
• What is the objective given to the consultants? Increase flow into Southdale? Preserve
neighborhood? It’s one or the other;
• Do no dismantle neighborhood.
JD Overstreet, 4813 Dunberry Lane
• Petition with 500 signatures with stipulations of no truck traffic, slower speeds, new
pedestrian and bike access, maintain current width and location and beautification of W.
70th;
• 2005 Greater Southdale Land Use and Transportation Study identified Crosstown & France
as the root of the problem, are there plans to address this area?
• Same report also talks about “if 70th is widen to handle the projected volume” so he is
surprised that the ETC is not aware that widening is an option; it also shows a land bridge
at W. 70th and France and a diagram lowering France underneath W. 70th;
• Showed a design plan for Hwy. 100 & W. 70th and W. 70th: France to York. The area
between the two locations is missing and cannot be debated until plans are on paper.
David Rodbourne, 4501 Dunberry Lane
• Study narrowly focused, ignores high rise;
• Study area stops at golf course, ignores 77th & Industrial area;
• Easy access for drivers on W. 70th due to there being only one stoplight;
• Narrow the roadway, put in bike lanes, and stoplight at West Shore;
3
• Dunberry not included in study;
• Enforcement.
Gene Persha, 6917 Cornelia Drive
• Rule nothing out because of costs;
• Create an environmental impact statement listing pros/cons, alternatives and costs;
• Wants to see SRF do same with schematic and alternatives;
• Try experiment to see where traffic goes when people are coming and going;
• Do license plates study;
• Survey residents to see about giving up parking on W. 70th;
• Pollution control monitor for emission;
• Cars do not obey crosswalks, education and enforcement needed;
• Build a boulevard down the center of the road to look like a parkway to curb traffic;
• There is no beautification in Edina to make neighborhoods look friendly.
Barbara Kunz, 6516 West Shore
• Sending traffic to 66th St. and making it busier is not the answer;
• Need some options.
Martin LeVenture, 6717 West Shore
• What is the vision for the road?
• Livable community, walkable, pedestrian;
• Health for both individuals and community, not crossing a highway is healthier.
John Metil, 4730 66th Street
• More traffic will harm neighborhood, urge not to increase traffic;
• Answer is not to redirect traffic on 66th St.;
• Southdale is well served by France, Xerxes, and Valley View; focus on improving traffic
flows on these streets.
Mark Mitchell, 7001 Heatherton Trail
• Crosstown is failing us;
• Enhance use of Valley View, 76th and 77th;
• Hennepin County is asking for ideas so now is a good time;
• Have learned to live with W. 70th, do not like it, but it is urban/suburban.
Mark Evans, 4421 Judson Lane
• Is the desire or mandate to increase or decrease traffic on W. 70th? Please post this answer
to the website;
• Police not pulling people over for speeding; squad is visible but doing nothing.
Vicki Barzen, 4713 Upper Terrace
• Thinks that grade school would preclude expansion.
Nora Davis, 6921 Southdale Road
• Horrified at the size of Grammercy, sees traffic problems;
Dave Phillips, 6800 Cornelia Drive
• Historical plans of Southdale show that 70th, Crosstown, etc came after;
4
• Hopefully Mn/DOT’s plan to fix Crosstown will help;
• Signage idea is essential to carry more traffic on 66th St.;
• Alternatives are hard because of obstacles but must try and come up with something,
maybe a ramp off to the north.
Harold Babb, 4701 W. 70th Street
• Agrees with making W. 70th into a parkway but must be realistic with 15,000 vehicles;
• Unsafe conditions;
• Should be returned to neighborhood street;
• Need to establish a volume;
• Identify traffic pattern and identify solutions to reduce traffic to established traffic volume
and do so without shifting and creating burden on other streets.
Marsha Coon, 4813 Wilford Avenue
• Mass transit is a way to reduce the growing traffic;
• Did not like the reference of ‘Gateway to Southdale’, however a shuttle to Southdale would
be helpful;
• Do not widen the street.
Gary Thacher, 6901 Southdale Road
• Concerned with quality of life issues, not with money or traffic;
• Please think about quality of life.
Meeting adjourned.
MINUTES OF THE
Edina Transportation Commission
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Edina City Hall
4801 West 50th Street
Community Room
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Les Wanninger, Warren Plante, Marie Thorpe, Jean White, Marc Usem, Geof Workinger,
Joni Kelly Bennett, Dean Dovolis
MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT:
Wayne Houle, Jack Sullivan, Sharon Allison
I. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by chair Wanninger.
II. Public Comment
No public comment.
III. New Business
a. Room Change / Broadcasting Commission Meetings (Jennifer Bennerotte –
Communications & Marketing Director)
Laura Fulton, filling in for Bennerotte, explained that the Council decided to make several
changes to its meeting procedures and have directed advisory boards and commissions to
follow the same procedures. The new procedures include broadcasting of all commission
meetings and new format for hosting public hearings. Fulton also discussed dais set-up and
tips for cable television. As a result of the new procedures the ETC will begin meeting in the
Council Chambers January 2007.
b. Meeting Time
After a brief discussion, Plante motioned for the ETC to continue meeting 6-8 p.m. Motion
seconded by Dovolis. All ayes. Motion carried.
Wanninger noted that a student member has been nominated and Bennett noted that
according to the ETC ordinance the student member is a non-voting member.
IV. Old Business
a. West 70th Street Corridor Study – Update (Commissioner Wanninger)
Wanninger discussed the project schedule and process. A consensus was reached to hold
three public hearing meetings on January 18 & 23 and February 22, 7-9 p.m. in the Council
Chambers. Each meeting is for residents within a designated area. The areas are: residents
on West 70th; residents north of West 70th; and residents south of West 70th, respectively.
One letter will be sent notifying the entire impacted area of all three meetings but attendees at
each meeting should be residents within the designated meeting area. The letter will include
the means that will be used to remind and share information with residents of all three public
2
hearings as well as other meetings. The means are posting on the meeting notice board at City
Hall, the Liquor Store at 50th and France, and Centennial Lakes Park Centrum, 7449 France
Avenue; the city’s website; and the Hennepin County libraries at Grandview and Southdale.
After the public hearings, consolidating and summarizing the public’s input on issues and
suggestions on solution alternatives will complete Phase 1 of the study process.
In Phase 2, the ETC will consider alternative solutions with the Study Advisory Committee
(SAC) which will include residents (west of Hwy. 100 as well), the business community, school
district, City of Richfield, Mn/DOT, Hennepin County and SRF. A draft report will be formulated
and shared with the public for feedback. Public input will be evaluated and alternative
solutions refined to develop implementation strategy followed by a final draft, a public hearing,
evaluation, refinement and a final report to the Council.
V. Approval of Minutes
a. Regular Meeting of November 16, 2006
The following correction was made to the minutes regarding the votes on the York Place
Traffic Impact Study: 3 ayes, 2 nayes (Bennett, Plante) and 1 recused (Dovolis). The minutes
were approved with the correction. 6 ayes, 2 abstained (White and Thorpe).
VI. Planning Commission Update (Commissioner Workinger)
Workinger said they had one lot sub-division and a presentation by Dovolis for York Place. He
said the York Place proposal was tabled; however, some Planning Commission (PC) members
felt it had a lot to offer but would require variances. They thought it was too high and a
redesign proposal may be coming. Dovolis said changes are being made – 12 stories instead
of 14, parking stays the same and 24 instead of 12 affordable units. Dovolis said the tenant is
Best Buy and they may be at the next PC meeting. W orkinger said his understanding is that
the proposal will be brought back to the PC for consideration, followed by the Zoning Board of
Appeals who will review the variance requests.
Workinger said a judge recently ruled against the Cypress project because the variances were
not approved in accordance to MN statutes because they were not approved by the Zoning
Board of Appeals. Workinger said in cities all over, the PC and Council approves variances so
this ruling will probably complicate things for a while.
VII. Open Discussion
a. Traffic Impact Study (Houle)
Houle said the traffic study Finding of Fact that they’ve been using to evaluate traffic studies is
difficult for proponents to use and he recommended that they develop a Traffic Impact Study
Criteria outlining specific things that proponents must include such as turning movements, etc.
The new criteria could be posted to the web so that it is readily accessible. Houle said he has
had preliminary discussions with consultants with experience developing such criteria for other
cities and he would like to prepare a draft by the February meeting. Wanninger asked that
parking, particularly in commercial zones be included, as well as the area that will be
realistically impacted. Dovolis asked that alternative methods of transportation be given equal
emphasis to traffic, especially in areas where they want to create more pedestrian movements.
Wanninger said he’s heard complaints that they are not given sufficient time to review traffic
studies and he’s had discussions with the Mayor regarding the timeline. He said more time is
needed by both the ETC’s consultant and the ETC to review traffic studies and the consultant
should attend the meeting when proponent’s traffic consultant is presenting a traffic study.
Houle said some cities automatically grant an extension to allow enough time for review.
3
b. Transportation Comp Plan Update (Houle)
Houle said proposals were received from four consulting firms and one will be selected in
January to develop the Comp Plan. A new section in the Comp Plan will be a Bikeway Plan
connecting all the municipalities and regions. A modeling for the Greater Southdale to the
southeast is also included. The goal is to get the modeling started in the spring or early
summer and have it completed by July/August.
c. Other Items
Houle said the University of Minnesota is doing a study on France Avenue from Old Shakopee
Road to the Crosstown gathering traffic signals data and the county has hired a firm to look at
the timing of signals on France Avenue. Houle said the two studies will be valuable to the
modeling.
Commissioner White reported that the SW Transitway PAC forwarded to Hennepin County
Regional Rail Authority to retain three alternative routes for the Southwest Light Rail Transit
that is proposed. A public hearing is scheduled for January 16.
Houle said a study on Boards and Commissions by the League of Women Voters will be
presented to the City Council at the second meeting in January.
New employee, Jack Sullivan, was introduced to the Commission. As the Assistant City
Engineer, Sullivan will be the support staff for the ETC.
Bennett tendered her resignation from the ETC effective December 31. Bennett said she has
enjoyed working with the Commission and they did a good job building something from the
ground up. And while it has not been a perfect process, they learned a lot and built something
substantive. She was thanked for her work on the Commission and received well wishes as
she moves on to the City Council.
Plante said the letter to the editor of the Sun Newspaper by Wanninger was well done.
Workinger asked about the next steps for the NE Edina Traffic Study implementation. Houle
said the implementation will not be done in one year. He said it is laid out in the Capital
Improvements Plan over a 3-year period. He said SRF was hired to start working on the plans
for 50th Street and 44th Avenue and the ring-roads will be milled and overlayed, the curb issue
on 50th will be fixed during the mill and overlay, plans are being developed for Interlachen and
Vernon and the Country Club area is scheduled for 2008. Houle said he will do an update
report to be presented in February.
VIII. Adjournment
Meeting adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for January 18, 2007, 7-9 p.m., in the
Council Chambers. This regular ETC meeting will be a public hearing for the West 70th Street
Corridor Traffic Study.