1986-05-27 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I I I Council Meeting Minutes May 27, 1986 Council Business, continued Eisenzimmer explained the reasons for different objectives coming from the church (change of staff, school and church have different views); didn't believe anyone would prefer to have Third Avenue open; feels the consensus that has developed is the need to address the issue of Third because of safety con- cerns (barricading is a temporary measure), feeling Third should be closed or vacated. Brandt stated that because the message coming from the church has changed so often in the last month or so would be a good argument to not make a decision tonight. Benke stated it was important to note that we are not talking about the church and representatives of the church as being a spokesperson for the people of the neighborhood. Schmidt would like to hear from people in the neighborhood and their concerns for keeping the street open until a decision is made to vacate the street; and asked what the need if for a side- walk extension when the church will have a parking lot. Eisenzimmer understood that requirement of installing a sidewalk adjacent to the parking lot is a city requirement to put the rest of the already installed sidewalks into the system; the church would to prefer to not install any further sidewalk because they need a place to put the snow. However, if it is a requirement of the city, the church will have to make a decision as to whether or not they would like it installed; Eisenzimmer stated the problem would be magnified with the widening of First Avenue and Eighth Street which would reduce the size of the boulevard. Tom Chock, 767 Third Avenue N.W., stated the residents would like to have Third Avenue left as it is, a regular city street; once it's closed, it will be closed forever; if the hotel goes in there will be traffic using First, Eighth, and Second, Third or First; the churches in downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul face busy streets; and the liability will always be there. Benke questioned the convenience that Third Avenue provides to some residents versus problems that will probably occur if that street is improved; having trouble understanding why it would be a problem to not have that street there, recognizing it will be a change of habits; feels advantages to closing it outweighs the inconvenience. Dan Dahms, 675 Fourth Avenue N.W. asked if Third Avenue is vacated, with the city getting half and the church getting half, could there still be a 250 foot ball diamond; Benke stated it could. Dahms stated he would like to have Third Avenue remain open. Page Seven