1992-11-24 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I I I Council Meeting Minutes November 24, 1992 Page 8 Council Business, continued Rebelein questioned why the project would need to be removed from the reconstruction category since funding information is not required until 1995. She feels there is time to explore other opportunities. Mr. Soler said the purchase of right-of-ways could take up to a year. If Silver Lake Road was to become a reconstruction project with the plan approval by 1995, the County would need to know its design at this time. Mr. Soler said irregardless of a three or four lane road, the minimum width would be 52 feet. The roadway width is determined by a formula which uses traffic volumes. Edith Dalleska, 191 Windsor Lane, spoke regarding the movement of "traffic calming" which reduces the number of cars and promotes the use of car pools, walking and bicycles. She presented a petition with signatures supporting the three lane roadway concept. Marsha Soucheray, State Bicycle Advisory Board Chair, said the future is to look at alternative transportation methods and promote efficiency. New Brighton has the opportunity to become an forerunner in this concept. David Phillips, 2396 Sioux Court, said the 1976 redesigning of Silver Lake Road which increased the speed limit to 40 mph was a mistake. Benke said the Commissioner of Transportation sets speed limits. If a County or City feel a speed limit is incorrect, then an engineering study is done to determine the appropriate speed level and the State rules on the decision. Robert O'Keefe, 760 Redwood. supports the County plan to straighten the Forestdale intersection and creation of a cul-de-sac on 8th St. Jim Senden. 507-17th Ave resident and Metropolitan Councilmember. said the main concern is safety and traffic efficiency. He has tried for many years to increase bus service on Silver Lake Road. The new Metropolitan Council plan proposes to increase bus service on Silver Lake Road and create a bus hub at Apache Plaza. However, he questioned whether the traffic increase can be accommodated on Silver Lake Road. Ms. Zimmer-said a four lane provides for better bus service and addresses the issue of a bus hub. A three lane road would require a bus pullout area to load and unload passengers. As a resident, Mr. Senden is concerned about the increased traffic levels and accidents on Silver Lake Road and noted the 7th St. left turn lane is always filled to capacity during rush hour. The overriding consideration is the ability to safely and efficiently handle pedestrian and bicycle traffic associated with increased bus traffic. Fred Dalleska. 191 Windsor Lane. feels increasing bus traffic on Silver Lake Road would reduce the number of cars. He feels SRF agreed with the County Plan because they did not perform their own calculations. Council Business Silver Lake Road Reconstruction Project Report 92-258