2021.08.24 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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August 24,2021 Page 5 of 10 Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas inquired if the narrowing of Palmer Drive was considered. Community Assets and Development Director Schlichting explained this was considered and would be accomplished through landscaping and the sidewalk. Councilmember Abdulle stated he would like to ensure safety is considered with this project and recommended sidewalks be included. He recommended the Council consider a completed streets program in order to improve access to sidewalks throughout the City for those who are vulnerable in the community. He explained it would be a huge win for the City to have sidewalks installed by the developer for this project. He indicated he would appreciate the Council having more discussions about the City's sidewalk plans at a future worksession meeting. He discussed the speed of the traffic along Robin Lane. He suggested the portion of Palmer Drive that is four lanes undivided be reduced to two lanes. Community Assets and Development Director Schlichting explained the eastern side of Palmer Drive was four lanes. He reported if this was reduced down to two lanes this would create a stacking issue for those vehicles trying to make a designated left turn onto Silver Lake Road. Councilmember Abdulle asked if there had been any accidents at Palmer Drive and Silver Lake Road. Community Assets and Development Director Schlichting reported he was certain accidents have occurred at this intersection. He discussed the speed of traffic in the community and noted the City Council was discussing a change in speed for residential roadways in New Brighton. He then commented further on the City's sidewalk policy. Councilmember Abdulle reported Minneapolis and St. Paul reduced their residential speed limit to 20 miles per hour. He inquired if this was something New Brighton was intending to do. Community Assets and Development Director Schlichting commented there was going to be a guidance document prepared by the League of Minnesota Cities and this was the document New Brighton would like to review prior to moving forward on this matter. Councilmember Allen asked if there was anything that could be done to address the curves along Robin Lane/Palmer Drive. Community Assets and Development Director Schlichting stated additional signage could be added,noting the most effective signs were arrows or chevrons. He stated staff would not advise a flashing light be installed. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas discussed where the curve speed limit signs were located. Community Assets and Development Director Schlichting noted these sign locations could be reviewed. Councilmember Dunsworth commented she lived near this project and she completely understood the neighbors' concerns. She reported there was a larger area of concern, beyond the new building. She explained when she walked in this area, there were always a lot of kids in the streets. She shared the concerns of the neighbors and was not convinced this building would make the area less safe. She indicated this was an odd time to complete a traffic study and did not know how to interpret the traffic numbers. She stated she appreciated the historical data that was provided, but wondered if speed bumps or other traffic calming measures should be considered in order to divert traffic from this neighborhood. City Manager Massopust reported speed bumps are not something the City uses generally. He discussed the projected traffic trips to and from the bank site noting they were non-COVID peaks. Councilmember Dunsworth explained regardless of increased traffic from this project, it appears there was already a traffic problem in this area of New Brighton. City Manager Massopust commented he empathized with the neighbors stating the reality doesn't match the data in terms of speed, traffic and trips per day. He noted Robin Lane was seeing its lowest number of trips per day at this time, which was making it difficult for engineering staff to address the concerns being voiced by the neighbors. He stated the proposed sidewalks would assist in lowering the speed by narrowing the streets while increasing connectivity for pedestrians. He commented the City was not opposed to anything, but wanted to ensure the solution matches the issue, while also not pushing the issue onto other streets. Community Assets and Development Director Schlichting commented further on the historical traffic data noting volumes would return to the historic norm at some point in the future.