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I I I Council Meeting Minutes March 8, 1988 Benke stated at one time there was a link down Fifth Street through the Park; but while, from a technical standpoint, there is space on the right-of-way for a sidewalk, there doesn't seem to be a lot of urgency to have this sidewalk in place. Because Fifth Street is 44 feet wide, Gunderman saw no reason to construct a sidewalk, and Brandt asked if the city could re-claim a portion of the street. Benke stated possibly the quickest way would be to stripe bike lanes on the shoulders which would preclude parking on the street; but that a more permanent solution is to redo the street and curb and asked what impact there would be if we took it off the MSA street system. Proper indicated he believed if a new curb was installed and the street were moved over, we would need to have parking on one side at least but did not believe the State would pay for any of that cost. Gunderman asked if there is an existing problem because of not having a sidewalk; Benke stated, although there is not today, there might be a problem when Old Highway 8 is completed. Gunderman would like to see the proposed funds applied toward Old Highway 8. Benke stated Fourth Street needs improvement and maybe Sixth Street does as well; did not believe a sidewalk on Fifth Street would be his recommendation. Kathleen Lundberg, Fifth Street and 12th Avenue, stated sidewalks were needed when the elementary school was open but now the city needs sidewalks on Old Highway 8 if New Brighton hopes to bring business to downtown New Brighton and/or along Old Highway 8; Fourth Street is the main street into Hansen Park because the bridge is in line with that street; and showed photos of Fifth Street in the winter. Benke understands the consensus is to provide a corridor along Old Highway 8 to tie to the trail system. Pam Schmitz, 636 - 12th Avenue N.W., stated the neighborhood is changing (younger families are moving in) and indicated it is dan- gerous to walk to the park on the hill. Judy Hayward, 407 - 11th Avenue, stated kids are afraid to go to the park alone because there are always older children present. Paul Rother, 490 Ninth Avenue, believes there needs to be a dif- ferent solution for the sidewalk as proposed because: (1) of the frontage issue; (2) snow concerns; (3) concern for trees, shrubs, bushes, and fences; (3) moving of power poles; (4) 44-foot wide street versus 36-foot wide standard street (would like to see the street used differently); and (5) would like to see the Old High- way 8 Corridor plans before agreeing to a sidewalk proposal for Fifth Street. Rother presented council with a petition signed by homeowners that would be affected as well as by neighbors in the area. Paqe 12