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I I I Council Meeting Minutes November 24, 1992 Page 6 Council Business, continued Staff recommends the project's approval based on SRF's recommendations and these additional conditions: realignment of Forestdale/7th St. intersection, traffic signal installed at Windsor Lane; feasibility of a narrow median' between 5th St. and 7th St.; County and Windsor Green residents work on landscape plan; interconnected signals to promote a 35-40 mph speed; County work with the City and residents on landscape oPtions; the segment between Co. Rd. E and 5th St. include landscape median with openings and left turn lanes at 3rd St. and entrance to shopping center; NSP power lines placed underground if economically feasible; and surface water drainage from Co. Rd. E be carried in a storm sewer to the outfall sewer 'on Silver Lane to eliminate discharge to Silver Lake. Charlene Zimmer, SRF, said according to their research, Silver Lake Road's traffic volume is now at maximum capacity for a three lane road, and in some areas, it exceeds the capacity. Therefore, SRF supports the County plan to retain the four lane roadway and the intersection improvements, If a three lane was constructed, it would be necessary to provide right and left turn lanes at intersections. Because of the need for buses to stop on Silver Lake Road, it is necessary to provide space for buses to pull out. Benke noted that Apache Plaza has been identified by Metropolitan Council as a possible MTC bus hub. Given this assumption, there would be more traffic on Silver lake Road which would have an affect on flow and the continuous stopping of buses could cause problems on a three lane. Ms. Zimmer said Silver Lake Road has a higher traffic volume than Rice St., and MNDot has noted concern regarding the Rice St. congestion problems during peak periods and accident levels. Rosemary Berggren, 280 Windsor lane, asked if the addition of Cub Foods Apache will have adverse traffic affects. Benke said it is difficult to speculate traffic contributed by Cub, but Apache Plaza and the Co. Rd. E commercial area may become more active. He also noted the additional homes being built in Wexford Heights and Innsbruck. Ms, Berggren feels the roadway should be resurfaced and left alone, and feels the rear.end accidents are due to people not paying attention, not road configuration. Don Breining, 10 Windsor Court, noted concern of the possible loss of vegetation on the west side of the Birch Pond Condominiums. He supports the existing roadway with the addition of turn signals and stop signs. Pat Crisham, 286 Windsor Lane and Citizens Concerned for the Future of Silver lake Road (CCFSLR), briefly outlined their recommendations: vote no on the Ramsey County plan; continue to study options which respect the environment and enhance quality of life; keep the road design as is or keep the present width and convert to a three-lane design; advocate cost- effective approach to solving transportation issues; re.evaluate the Ramsey County and SRF traffic data; consider the effect on real estate values; and actively involve citizens in solving safety and environmental issues. In final, the focus on a wider, faster Silver Lake Road is not in the best interest of the health of our community, region or planet. Council Business Silver Lake Road Reconstruction Project Report 92-258