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Home My WebLink AboutWorksession 9 Downtown Study AppendixPRIOR LAKE DOWNTOWN SOUTH STUDY APPENDIX A - TRAFFIC ANALYSIS TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. 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repared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. T42.104814 Prior Lake Downtown South Study Page 44 M E M O R A N D U M Date: August 29, 2012 To: Bryan Nemeth CC: From: Cultural Resources Group Subject: City of Prior Lake Downtown South Study Area The Bolton & Menk cultural resources group has conducted a literature search for the City of Prior Lake Downtown South Study Area. This literature search is intended to provide background of the inventoried standing structures within one half-mile of the proposed project area and the inventoried archaeological sites within one mile of the proposed project area. Three archaeological sites are located within one mile of the project area, an effigy mound group, an artifact scatter, and a An additional eleven archaeological sites are located within two miles of the project area. These sites consist of other earthworks, a rock alignment and artifact scatters. Additionally, the Public Land Survey map from 1855 indicates the presence of several roads and trails near or within the study. The existing archaeological information suggests that the area surrounding Upper and Lower Prior Lakes appears to have undergone significant use for, likely for habitation, during prehistoric times. Thirteen structures within one half-mile of the proposed project were inventoried during a survey conducted in 1979. During a cursory review, it appears that only three structures are located within the study area, three residential homes. Two additional residential homes are located within one half-mile west, on the shores of Upper Prior Lake, where they are unlikely to be affected by this project. None of the residential homes had been determined eligible for listing on the National Register and it is likely that they have not undergone any formal evaluation for eligibility. The study area encompasses a residential neighborhood, with many homes older than 50 years of age. Based on the number of known archaeological sites within the vicinity of the project area, it appears that the study area played a significant role in the lifeways and activities of prehistoric peoples. If any proposed alternative route crosses undisturbed land, then an archaeological review may be required by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) pursuant to the Minnesota Field Archaeology Act. Federal funding or permits would likely require compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. If federal funds or permits are used for this project, then SHPO may request an architectural survey prior to any proposed affects to the setting of or demolition of any structures, given the concentration of homes that area older than 50 years. \\chaska1\h\_Cultural Resources\Internal Reviews Temp\Prior Lake\Literature Search Memo.doc 21SCf 21SC0049 D " ) D D D ") ") D ") ") D 21SCah 21SC0016 I 02,000 Feet Legend DOWNTOWN SOUTH STUDY 21SC####Inventoried Archaeological Site Inventoried Structure " ) Inventoried Structure, Apparently Demolished D Known Cultural Resources Downtown South Study Area Figure X Note: Only sites within one mile are displayed, locations are approximate September, 2012 Source: MnGEO, USGS Topographic Quad: Prior Lake, 1974 Map Document: H:\_Cultural Resources\Internal Reviews Temp\Prior Lake\ESRI\Maps\Known Cultural Resources.mxd Date Saved: 8/29/2012 10:25:15 AM PRIOR LAKE DOWNTOWN SOUTH STUDY APPENDIX C - CONCEPT ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED FOR EVALUATION Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. T42.104814 Prior Lake Downtown South Study Page 45 PRIOR LAKE DOWNTOWN SOUTH STUDY APPENDIX D - CBG MEETING MINUTES Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. T42.104814 Prior Lake Downtown South Study Page 46 DSS OWNTOWN OUTH TUDY Citizens and Business Group Meeting#1 Prior Lake City Hall June 12, 2012 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM MM EETING INUTES Attendees: John Diers John Parrish David Rech Barbara Marschall, County Commissioner John Siskoff Larry Poppler, City of Prior Lake Mary Korthour Katy Gehler, City of Prior Lake Patrick Heaney Dan Rogness, City of Prior Lake Bernard Carlson Lisa Freese, Scott County Alvin Imholte Bryan Nemeth, Bolton & Menk, Inc. Gregory Schweich Gina Mitchell, Bolton & Menk, Inc. Dawn Schulberg 13 Applications all accepted Dave Rech Copper Creek John Siskoff - Resident John Diers Resident, Retired Transit Consultant, Scott County Historical Board Bernie Carlson Carlson Consulting Group, Carlson Hardware, E.D.A.C. Al Imholte Carlson Hardware, St. Michaels Church Grounds Committee Greg Schweich E.D.A.C., Copper Creek Pat Heaney Resident Dawn Schulberg Premiere Dance Academy Mary Korthour Integra Telecom Andrea Mullenmeister Resident John Parrish Viking Liquor, Resident Michelle Imholte Carlson Hardware Gerald Ziskovsky Church of St. Michael Added after CBG #1 H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Citizens Business Group\CBG 1 Minutes_06122012.doc CBG #1 Meeting Minutes Downtown South Study, Prior Lake, MN Page 2 1.Review Study Elements a.Purpose Bryan reviewed the purpose: The purpose of the Downtown South Study is to develop a roadway network that can improve traffic connections to the changes at Highway 21and Highway 13 and make it more compatible with future growth and redevelopment. b.Project Goals Bryan reviewed the Project Goals: Goal #1: Assemble the findings and recommendations from the previously completed projects, plans, and studies into one plan for the Downtown South Area. These plans include: City of Prior Lake Comprehensive Plan Downtown North Main Avenue Reconstruction Highway 21 Corridor Study Arcadia at CH 21 Feasibility Study Downtown Parking Study Main Avenue at CH 21 Feasibility Study CH 21 Realignment Study Maxfield Market Analysis Study 2030 Vision and Strategic Plan Arcadia Avenue Extension and CH 21 Reconstruction Project Goal #2: Develop a plan for a future street network in the Downtown South Area that is consistent with the CH 21 Plan, provides connectivity and facilities for multiple modes (i.e. pedestrians, and bicyclists) between Downtown and other destinations, provides access to Downtown South businesses, and provides access for traffic between Duluth Avenue and the intersection of CH 21 and Arcadia Avenue. Goal #3: Develop a street network for the Downtown South Area that minimizes right-of-tions for implementation. H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Citizens Business Group\CBG 1 Minutes_06122012.doc CBG #1 Meeting Minutes Downtown South Study, Prior Lake, MN Page 3 John Deirs asked what are the positive and negative consequences of each alternatives; impacts on neighborhood, tax picture? We need to consider in evaluation of alternatives and what the downtown should be. Changing population State demographics Article in New York Times decline of exurbs 2.Study Objectives and Role of CBG Gina reviewed the study objectives and the role of the CBG. Represent the interests of all property owners and businesses in the City; and Communicate with other residents and businesses in the City about the Downtown South Study issues, alternatives and recommendations. She stated that the evaluation criteria will be developed based on the project goals to evaluate the tradeoffs between alternatives. 3.De Dan reviewed the three (3) districts and transitional town center. Any additional questions were to be directed to Dan. John Deirs asked about changing the Transitional Town Center designation. Dan answered by stating that the Comprehensive Plan change and zoning amendment would be required. 4.Review Previous Studies Timeline Bryan talked about how the 21 Corridor Study set up a vision for been constructed: New intersection at Arcadia to be signalized when justified Median or closure at Duluth determination to be determined through a study ¾ access on Hwy 13 south of CH 21 Market analysis Determined the development/redevelopment potential in Downtown. With CH 21 at current alignment, total of 29,000 sq ft office/ residential redevelopment. Did not identify a huge redevelopment potential in Transitional Town Center Traffic volume collected in 2011 and in 2012 before construction began. PM peak 1 hour H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Citizens Business Group\CBG 1 Minutes_06122012.doc CBG #1 Meeting Minutes Downtown South Study, Prior Lake, MN Page 4 John Deirs asked if the community has done any O/D studies. Bryan explained no, but in similar communities there are typical 10-15% are from outside the community. John asked if there are pedestrian counts and vehicle types data available. Bryan thought ped counts would be available but said that he would look into it. 5.Review Planning Considerations Map Bryan went over the map and how it ties to Goal 1 and Timeline. 6.Review the Existing and Future No-Build Traffic Analysis Results -2030 forecast -John Diers Stated that Met Council is evaluating issuing new forecast numbers. -John Diers Stated that Why 13 is going to become a County Road -Lisa Freese Stated that there have been discussions of changing the jurisdiction of Hwy 13 to County and CH 17 to State, but there have been no Memorandums of Understanding. A jurisdictional change would not change the functional class or access spacing requirements. Traffic currently using Hwy 13 would still likely use it even if it were a county highway, given its regional connections. -Bryan all way stops on Duluth anticipated to be unacceptable by 2030. 7.Roadway Concepts a.Review Initial Concepts b.Sketch Alternatives to Concepts c.Discuss the Concepts Draft alternative purpose of CBG opposition/limitations -No Build -Alt. 1: straightforward N-S routing, minimal impacts to properties -Alt. 2: Concern about roundabout diameter and property acquisition -Alt. 3: Concern with amount of property acquisition Dave R asked if the church was invited. Al (Gerald Z with Church added as a committee member after CBG #1) -Alt. 4: too many properties impacted, traffic taken from Downtown H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Citizens Business Group\CBG 1 Minutes_06122012.doc CBG #1 Meeting Minutes Downtown South Study, Prior Lake, MN Page 5 -Alt. 5: too many properties impacted, intersection spacing (Colorado to Pleasant) seems too close, no benefit over others, takes traffic from Downtown Ernie/Al asked what does 4 achieve vs. 5? The answer was not much. 4/5 take away from . Dave R. concerned with stacking of cars. Gina explained this impacts decision for owners in Transitional Town Center. As stated in Goal 3, the City will make a determination on how roadway will be constructed. Pat asked about the cost of implementation. Dave asked if implementation promotes development interest in redevelopment. -Alt. 6: Wetland impacts? -Alt. 7: Wetland impacts? Road leading to Duluth takes prime buildable flat land Dawn Anna Trail cul-de-sac yes. ¾ access at Franklin Bryan explained that along Hwy 13 there is full access at ½ mile. Assuming this, the new intersection is ¾ access. Al asked when the county will own 13. Lisa said the county signal spacing is the same. (comments due next Tuesday) Lisa also said that there are lots of options and many may not move forward so after the next meeting may be a better time to coordinate. Larry said that ¾ access is further south on 21 than shown. Unknown if actual location will work with the wetlands. Relocate access further south to blue spot. Based on intersection spacing and a ¾ access at Franklin, the ¾ at Pleasant may not be possible. Al asked if the state is going to put money into 13. Lisa said jurisdictional change was studied 5-7 years ago and there was no commitment from MnDOT to swap and investment will only happen when safety necessitates. Problems at 13 and 21 are bigger than what can be lead as a local investment. -Alt. 8: Wetland impacts? -Alt. 9: Wetland impacts? -Alt. 10: Wetland impacts? Bernie Questioned the timing for removal of the all-way stop at Main. County indicated that it would be completed when it becomes a safety issue. John D asked if developers want to develop with traffic problems. Bryan answered that it is a double edged sword because some rely on traffic and some need more free flow to get goods and service to market. -Alt. 11: Could the signal at Duluth be moved? Pat said right hand turn lanes are better value for dollar vs buying homes. Lisa said Arcadia is being be widened to accommodate left turn at Arcadia on 21. H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Citizens Business Group\CBG 1 Minutes_06122012.doc CBG #1 Meeting Minutes Downtown South Study, Prior Lake, MN Page 6 John suggested slowing traffic to 45 mph through downtown. Bryan explained that MnDOT determines speeds on all MN roadways and determine speed based on a speed study. Bernie said most pedestrians cross at Main. Consider county road through downtown speeds need to slow down. Arcadia is out of the way for access to Downtown. -Alt. 12 & 13: Do not meet the goals, changes access on CH 21 that is already approved by City and County -Alt. A: Do not get the advantage -Alt. B: -Alt. C: Need a right turn lane at Main, Also need one at Duluth -Alt. D: Dawn asked about a right turn lane at Main. Lisa noted that you need to look at whole corridor width to see how wide the corridor gets. Addition of a right turn lane may impact adjacent buildings. Dawn said if this happened and Colorado is a one-way, the right turn is needed. Dawn asked if the city will continue to monitor traffic to her business because it will be different in the summer. Larry said that the City will continue to evaluate the intersection over time, as they do with all intersections in the City, to see if there are any safety issues. John S asked how truck and traffic noise will be dealt with. 21 and 13 are arterials and he lives off West and 21. Bryan answered that it depends on the function class arterial, these are defined to carry truck traffic and goods regionally. Bernie suggested getting info on West Ave because more traffic will divert to West Avenue instead of going so far east to Arcadia. He also asked if the routing through the wetlands is a viable option if not this would reduce the options considerably. Dawn asked how long a wetland study takes. Greg answered by stating that delineation is done next week with 4 soil borings. Greg asked about wetland delineation available by ¾ access at Pleasant because Loren Gross is considering some residential development and this would also help determine if the ¾ access is feasible. John D asked about sidewalks. Larry indicated that the pink lines are the sidewalks and the green lines are trails on the map. Pedestrian considerations will be built into the options, once roadway options are determined. 8.Next Steps a.Transportation Advisory Committee will review concepts b.Complete traffic analysis and layouts of the preferred concepts c.Open House #2: July d.Next CBG Meeting Tentatively August 14, 4:30 to 5:30 PM H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Citizens Business Group\CBG 1 Minutes_06122012.doc CBG #1 Meeting Minutes Downtown South Study, Prior Lake, MN Page 7 Dawn after meeting asked about the future parking and are/will the city consider how alternatives impact parking overall and alternative as an evaluation criteria? H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Citizens Business Group\CBG 1 Minutes_06122012.doc DSS OWNTOWN OUTH TUDY Citizens and Business Group (CBG) #1 Comments June 12, 2012: 4:30 6:30 PM Prior Lake City Hall CS OMMENTS UMMARY Al Imholte: Looking over and talking to many people about the proposed plans for downtown south it appears to tie arcadia to Duluth right at Anna trail would be good for the downtown, provided that the wetland is allowed to be used for this purpose. The median down Duluth would also make a change on the traffic pattern on west Ave. This will need to be looked at. Crosswalks at Main are a must or as in the past there may be more dramatic problems. Tying the downtown to the south to the village mall should be good for all involved. Dawn Schulberg (Premiere Dance): I have taken some time to study the options and take everything into consideration as to what could be good alternatives to consider for the future roadway system. I believe I have some good input to share or ideas to consider however, because some studies aren't completed at this time, I feel that I don't have enough information to make the right choices or determinations. I look forward to further research and study results as well as future meetings. Dave Rech: Here are my thoughts on the proposed options: 1.Connect Arcadia from Colorado to Pleasant. No brainer, should be done asap, (should have been done when Arcadia went to Colorado) adds value to the newly created intersection, makes it more useable and helps Duluth some but most of the impact on Duluth will need to be for people wanting to travel West on 21. Right now West Ave is most impacted by the Duluth/21 intersection closure which best simulates what the impact of no left/west on Duluth will do to local traffic. I think you should consider an intersection at West just like you left from Duluth onto 21. 2.Same as 1 but with Roundabouts at Duluth and Arcadia on Pleasant. I do not support. I think the negative impact to the Church/School and Church office not to mention homes at Arcadia would be worth well more than the value of roundabouts to help traffic. It just requires too much land for a side street. If there are facts that support the use of roundabouts, they were not presented to justify this action. H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Citizens Business Group\CBG 1 Comments\CBG #1 Comments.doc CBG #1 Meeting Minutes Downtown South Study, Prior Lake, MN Page 2 3.Y Connection from Colorado to Pleasant. I do not support due to significant impact on housing and distraction from driving potential access to downtown. I also think the left turn on pleasant at Arcadia that would be created would be very problematic and the entire intersection would be a stacking nightmare. 4.Arcadia angled to Pleasant and Duluth. I can see it might help Duluth but it takes out a ton of homes and with the wetland would offer no real opportunity for development. I would not support this approach especially because of the added traffic on Duluth at 13, already a problem at peak times. 5.rtunity, takes out a ton of homes and the Church office and creates a real mess for people traveling on pleasant. I would not support this approach. 6.I like this solution for a lot of reasons, spacing is enough to justify another light on TH13 which relieves Duluth and gives a new connection to downtown and the south side and certainly supports the intersection at Arcadia and 21. I also like it because it opens up opportunity for the old Diggers site and for the Loren Gross property for retail, business, housing and many other potential opportunities. Could use the space along the road for overflow parking for downtown for major events, may even be able to configure to support the Farmers Market along this roadway. 7.Connect Franklin trail to pleasant with an off shoot to Duluth with a cul-de-sac at the end of Anna Trail. Not the best option due to impact on commercial access and usage of TH 13 frontage, you would take out a house needlessly. I would not support. 8.Connect Duluth and Anna trail to new proposed road. Why not just angle Anna Trail more to Duluth by the bank and eliminate the second street? This option takes out the only needlessly. 9.es right through the only buildable property on the Loren Gross parcel, close though. Could you still get the controlled intersection needed for retail to consider Diggers site? 6 is a better alternative. 10.See 9, road to the north from Duluth to proposed road may not be a bad improvement as we open up the property but current configuration takes out the development opportunity for that parcel. I do like cutting the corner at Duluth and Anna Trail though to help Duluth congestion. 11.Cross over through the basement to proposed road. Closer to existing intersection at Duluth than Franklin trail which is a problem, not real benefit to development and frontage along 13. Closing Franklin Trail and Anna Trail at 13 puts a ton of strain on Park Nicollet Ave from the east. 12.Move Duluth Intersection to the east and connect up to Dakota. Now with Arcadia it makes little sense as they are very close to each other. To make it work H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Citizens Business Group\CBG 1 Comments\CBG #1 Comments.doc CBG #1 Meeting Minutes Downtown South Study, Prior Lake, MN Page 3 forget about the Arcadia intersection, I think it would be smarter to put an intersection at West Ave vs this. This also runs even more traffic onto Duluth which already has capacity issues at 13 and with the school. I would not support now, maybe a few years ago sure, directions. 13.Roundabout at Duluth about impact of a roundabout on traffic flow but open to listen. A.Eats up the buildable property of Loren Gross and dumps even more traffic on Duluth, B.Just adds potential pinch/congestion point on Colorado for what benefit? OK with connection to Pleasant. C. D.I already assumed there would be a right in on Main heading east on 21 so I understand what this is offering. I think the left on Pleasant off 13 will just add more congestion and think the gap to 21 intersection could be a problem, I think the proposed road 6 or a variation would solve any opportunity this solution would w Hope this is helpful, let me know if you need any clarifications or questions answered. Gerald Ziskovsky: I have been asked to represent the Church of St. Michael Church/School Campus on the study group. Our thoughts are options 6, 7, 9 and maybe 11 for further discussions. Also brought up was what impact there will be on access to West Ave. (Just west of Duluth Ave.) as roads are redeveloped. We are hopeful that these options would pull traffic away from Duluth Ave. at the location of the St. Michael campus, making it a safer area during our busy times at the school and church and also providing a more of North/South access with less possibility of accidents. Option 6- this option would give extra North/South access but lights at Hwy 13 would be more safe Option 7- With the East/West road added it was potential, maybe a cul-de-sac on Duluth Ave just north of new East/West road so Duluth traffic would use Pleasant Street to get to new road and the CO. 21 lighted intersection, a roundabout at the "Y" of new road could flow traffic. Option 9- Also cutting off Duluth Ave. with a cul-de-sac just south of Prior wood Street would help traffic flow on new road, also cul-de-sac off of Anna Trail. H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Citizens Business Group\CBG 1 Comments\CBG #1 Comments.doc CBG #1 Meeting Minutes Downtown South Study, Prior Lake, MN Page 4 Option 11- Would be nice as it would connect with Park Nicolet Ave. and add the Village Mall area to the downtown mix. This would be very promising if the state would allow the traffic lights at Duluth Ave. to be moved to the new intersection and have either right in right out or roundabout John Siskoff: Attached. Response drafted by John Diers: Pat and Jill Heaney, Mike Wolfram, Barb Vossen, Ron and Susan Wolfram, Lee and Marie Hoess, Andrea and Steve Mullenmeister, John Siskoff, John and Marcia Diers: Attached H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Citizens Business Group\CBG 1 Comments\CBG #1 Comments.doc June 25, 2012 Comments on Draft Alternatives and Recommendations for the TAC to consider. Business Group (CBG). I enjoyed the opportunity to discuss local traffic concerns and issues with several committee members, residents and business owners. As requested I'm sharing my comments on draft alternatives and recommendations with the project team for the TAC to consider. My Comments: To my knowledge, the city and county engineers stated that the State Department of Transportation has higher priorities at this time instead of addressing Congestion at County Road 21 and Highway #13 that is closely tied to backups at Main Avenue. Unfortunately, the problem doesn't end there. There is also State Highway #13 and Duluth intersection, State Highway #13 and Pleasant Street, State Highway #13 at both Franklin Trail intersections, as well as th State Highway #13 and Dakota, State Highway #13 at 160 Street that are all in dire need of reconstruction, especially needed right turn lanes. Any development of the Downtown South Area hinges on the construction or reconstruction of the above named intersections approved by the state. I am reluctant to think that the State of Minnesota would consider restructuring a minimum of six main intersections for future development within the Downtown South area, equivalent to 29,000 total square feet for both retail and office space by 2030. By comparison, the average Walmart store is approximately 97,000 square feet, while Walmart's larger stores, referred to as Super Centers, carry approximately 186,000 square feet. Perhaps, road projects for these developments are on the State Department of Transp priority list. Currently our intersections are on the low priority list of the Department of Transportation resulting in the inability to get right turn lanes at the Congested County Road #21 and State Highway #13 intersection. Also, there will not be a right turn lane exiting County Road #21onto Main Street going south after the Arcadia Intersection is completed. Considering any future development in the immediate Downtown South is a moot point without the state's involvement. By 2030, with the traffic growth and intersection changes, it is anticipated that some of the intersections (Duluth Ave. at Colorado and Duluth at Pleasant) will operate unacceptably and cause undue delay to both residents in the area and business patrons. I view any long-run forecasts with skepticism based on a statement from city council member Kenneth Hedberg that, "businesses shy away, and are hesitant to locate, or develop in Prior Lake, from a perspective that we don't control the property, and we don't kno Taking that into consideration, my suggestion is to postpone development of any city streets that would destroy neighborhoods for future development. We must stop throwing good money after bad until we can identify and focus on current challenges. Then we can focus on future opportunities. My reaction to the Downtown South Study-Prior Lake, MN I didn't see any foundation or interest in bike lanes and pedestrian friendly improvements in any of the plans presented. We as a city need to define what we do best and capitalize on it. Developing additional strip malls and roads hasn't worked in the past. It has only created more traffic and vacant buildings. There is great pent-up demand for walkable, centrally located neighborhoods and we want to tear down our historic neighborhood and run roads through them. It is time to build what the market wants: mixed-income, quiet, walkable cities and suburbs that will support the knowledge economy, promote environmental sustainability and create jobs. My Comments on Draft Alternatives: Of all the roadway concepts I reviewed and studied along with committee members, business owners and residents, the plans that would best benefit Prior Lake residents and the city are as follows: I would be comfortable recommending draft #13 but adding right turn lanes at Main and County road #21. Also theme draft A, C and D would be acceptable. My Recommendations: For pedestrian safety the current speed limit on County Road #21 must to be lowered from County road #42 to Main Street. The traffic needs to be spread out to allow vehicles to gain safer access onto 21 from side streets. constructed by changing "Eagle Creek Ave SE" County Road 21 into Continuous Two-Way Left-Turn Lane (TWLTL). Currently, Park Nicolet Avenue South East Prior Lake, by the New Market State Bank is a Continuous Two-Way Left-Turn Lane (TWLTL). Redtail Ridge East, 15200 Hampshire Savage, by the Redtail Ridge Elementary School and Kenwood Trail in Lakeville, MN are also Continuous Two-Way Left-Turn Lane (TWLTL) roads. I proposed the Continuous Two-Way Left-Turn Lane option to the Mayor, City Council and City Administrator January 16, 2012 before the bidding on Arcadia. The response I received was, they thought it was a good idea and were going to look into it. In the same email, I proposed the possibility of "Eagle Creek Ave SE" County Road 21designated as a Parkway by the State. The response It was March, roughly a few months past and I was wondering if my proposals for a Continuous Two-Way Left-Turn Lane (TWLTL), or the possibility of "Eagle Creek Ave SE" County Road 21designated as a Parkway by the State had any substance. I emailed the city engineer and wanted to know what their intentions were. My answer from the city engineer was "I agree that Two Way Left Turn Lanes (TWLTL) are safer than the current undivided four lane roadway through downtown. However TWLTL's are not safer and take up more right of way than dedicated left turn lanes and concrete median which is proposed through this area. The 2005 corridor study process reviewed these alternatives and the final concepts with left and right dedicated turn lanes and concrete median will set up the City of Prior Lake well for the future". Hopefully the $3.3 million Arcadia Avenue project was a good decision. The vehicle noise restriction policy must to be enforced. An all vehicle and truck noise advisory sign should be placed at the city limits and upon entering town. I respect the interest Copper Creek Partners, LLC has taken in developing Diggers property area. If they can privately finance and develop that area without disrupting any major part of the city or wetlands, I think that would be a great area for some small retail shops and businesses.. They definitely will have problems with traffic and unfortunately building more roads within the city without any access to Highway #13 shouldn't be on the City of Prior Lakes high priority list. We know where we Sincerely, John K. Siskoff 952-447-8644 MEMORANDUM TO:ǡ Bolton-Menk ǡ FROM:Pat and Jill Heaney Mike Wolfram Barb Vossen Ron and Susan Wolfram Lee and Marie Hoess Andrea and Steve Mullenmeister John Siskoff John and Marcia Diers (Response prepared by John Diers) DATE: June 25, 2012 SUBJECT: Ǥǡǡ ǤǤǡ Ǥ ʹͳǡ͵Ͷ ǡ-ǡ historic Ǥ ǡǡǡ Ǥ Ǥ ǡǡ Ǥǡ ǡ Ǥ ǡ Ǥ ǡǤ ǡ ǡ Ǥ ͳͲͲ Ǥ Ǥǡ ʹͷǡͲͲͲʹͳͳ͸ͻǤ ʹͺǡͲͲͲǤ Ǥ Ǥǡǡ Ǥ ǡǤ -Ǥ ǡ Ǥ ǤǤ ǡ ǡ ǡǡͳͺ Ǥǡ Ǥ measuʹͳͳͷͶ Ǥ ͵Ͳ-per-Ȁ Ǥ Ǥ ǡ ʹͳǤ Ǥ Ǥ Ǥ ǡ ǡǤ ǡ ǡǤ ͳ͵ʹͳ ǤǤ ǡ ǡ downtowǡͳ͵ǫ ǡǫ ǣǡǡǡ ǡ DSS OWNTOWN OUTH TUDY Citizens and Business Group Meeting#2 Prior Lake City Hall July 17, 2012 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM MM EETING INUTES Attendees: John Diers, Resident Dawn Schulberg, Premiere Dance Academy David Rech, Copper Creek Charles Sunder, Ballard Sunder John Siskoff, Resident Gerald Ziskovsky, Church of St. Michael Mary Korthour, Integra Telecom Larry Poppler, City of Prior Lake Patrick Heaney, Resident Katy Gehler, City of Prior Lake Michelle Imholte, Carlson ACE Hardware Dan Rogness, City of Prior Lake Alvin Imholte, Carlson ACES Hardware Tony Winiecki, Scott County Gregory Schweich, Copper Creek Bryan Nemeth, Bolton & Menk, Inc. John Parrish, Viking Liquor Gina Mitchell, Bolton & Menk, Inc. 1.Review TAC Discussion Points on Sketch Alternatives to Determine Recommended Alternatives for Further Analysis Bryan reviewed the existing traffic signal spacing on Hwy 13. He noted the existing signals type of facility recommend 1 mile signal spacing. He stated that only one ¾ access between the two signals (i.e., not at Franklin and Duluth) will be allowed by MnDOT. Bryan reported the Duluth closure or median will not likely divert traffic to West Avenue due to less delay at Arcadia with the signal. He stated other traffic counts have yet to be completed. Bryan provided the following summary of TAC discussion points related to each alternative: No Build complete median at Main; no property acquisition proposed. This option will be studied further. H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Citizens Business Group\CBG 2 Minutes_07172012.doc CBG #2 Meeting Minutes Downtown South Study, Prior Lake, MN Page 2 Alternative #1 could be a short-term or long-term option if corridor extends to the south at Pleasant. This option will be studied further. Alternative #2 Not much benefit over Alternative #1; less delay, but not much; more property impacts. This option was not recommended for further study unless determined to be necessary. Alternative #3 Lots of curvature, difficult to access existing parcels on south side of Pleasant. This option was eliminated from further study. Alternative #4 Intersection skew at Pleasant Street; however, low volumes expected so probably not too much of a concern; meets goals to connect Arcadia and Duluth; traffic moved away from the school/church; question on stop sign location which will be determined by the study. This option was recommended for further study. A committee member asked if the intersection of Duluth and Hwy 13 will still work? Bryan reported MnDOT is looking at replacing the signal. He stated the turn lanes can hold only three cars and there is only a northbound left and southbound right turn lane on Duluth at Hwy 13. Will the study identify future improvements recommended? Regarding the skew and what trumps discussion of the ¾ at Pleasant. Bryan stated the traffic control at intersection and the ability to maintain sight lines all play a role in the safety and function of a skewed intersection. A committee member asked a question on the goals to connect Hwy 13 to Hwy 21 and Duluth to Acadia. Bryan stated that they are part of the evaluation criteria. Alternative #5 more property impacts; leaves odd parcels; closes intersection at Colorado; Pleasant to Colorado connection is eliminated. Alternative #6 allows for short and long-term options; ¾ access at Franklin, but not at Pleasant (would be a right-in/right-out); eliminates access on Hwy 13; good clean grid parallel to Duluth; creates opportunities for parcel redevelopment. This option was recommended for further evaluation. The Anna Trail connection will be studied further. Alternative # 7 similar to Alternative #6, but a cul-de-sac at Anna Trail; determined to have less benefit than Alternative #6 so it was eliminated from further study. Alternative #8 similar to Alternative #7; better connection between Duluth and Arcadia; requires building two roads without much benefit; therefore, this option was eliminated from further study. Alternative #9 move the thru right turn lane; similar to Alternative #6; will be studied further. H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Citizens Business Group\CBG 2 Minutes_07172012.doc CBG #2 Meeting Minutes Downtown South Study, Prior Lake, MN Page 3 Alternative #10 similar to #9; however, it requires moving a road without much benefit; therefore, it was eliminated from further study. Alternative #11 good north/south connection across Hwy 13; the negative is close access spacing with Duluth so a ¾ access may not be possible; impacts some of Hwy 13; skewed intersection at Hwy 9/South Backage Rd. This option was eliminated from further study. Alternative #12 and #13 These alternatives did not meet the overall study goals and therefore were eliminated from further consideration. A considered separately to be added with development/redevelopment. Eliminate. B and C access at Colorado if volumes are lower than anticipated these could be future improvements. Make sure right-of-way is wide enough if needed in future based on future traffic volumes. D building proximity to Hwy 21; right turn lane not considered as it provides opportunity for shorter future pedestrian crossing 2.Present Alternatives to be Studied in Detail The committee members had several questions following the discussion of alternatives including: What is the status of MnDOT and their unwillingness to consider the needs of Prior Lake? Bryan explained the location, freight, etc. all factor into signal spacing. He said it becomes a balance of willing to live with what is there relative to safety and mobility at one location versus multiple (cost and reduced safety). What is the status of a pedestrian crossing? Bryan reviewed the previous study which recommended short-to mid-term at-grade pedestrian crossing with the long-term goal of a pedestrian overpass. What about a pedestrian signal? Bryan stated that the County and MnDOT often treat these similar to traffic signals. A pedestrian signal at this location is unlikely and could potentially cause same back-up issues have today at the all-way stop. Charlie asked about the composition of the TAC. Bryan reported the TAC consists of representatives from MnDOT, Scott County, the City of Prior Lake and Bolton & Menk. When will improvement be implemented? Bryan stated it depends on the alternative chosen and landowner cooperation. Dawn stated Alternative 3, 5 and 9 remove the ¾ access at Pleasant and Alternative #4 keeps it. This impacts businesses in south downtown for traffic coming from the south. Is the ¾ access at Pleasant too close to Hwy 13? The location allows dual left-turn lanes onto Hwy 21. H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Citizens Business Group\CBG 2 Minutes_07172012.doc CBG #2 Meeting Minutes Downtown South Study, Prior Lake, MN Page 4 What will be the speed limit on Hwy 21 with traffic signals? Scott County will evaluate the signal timing; the speed limit has not been determined yet. 3.Present and Discuss Draft Evaluation Criteria and Measures A draft evaluation criteria and measures was presented to the committee. Gina reviewed the study goals and the 2030 vision and strategic plan. The following discussion was held regarding the evaluation criteria: - Pedestrian traffic was not evaluated at dance studio. No traffic change at Colorado Street with the options. Impacts to a wetland could be a positive. Need to consider expert guidance for a potential water quality enhancement. Who makes the decision on final recommendations? Who carries the weight? The a Decision will be made by the TAC members and the City Council. What about historically designated sites? Gina stated these are not known yet. Comparison of traffic, crosswalk at Arcadia? Will be a signal in the future with crosswalks. Pedestrians will not cross at Arcadia until signal is there. Bryan stated the evaluation will consider 2030 conditions and include signals at Hwy 21/Arcadia. Explanation of signals; 8 hours per day, approx. 100 vehicles/hour going left or thru. County will look at volumes. Dawn stated there is a lot of traffic at her business; higher than at St. Michaels. All of the options do not change the traffic volume expected on Colorado. Existing safety, accidents not studied. Will be added to criteria but will likely show no change between alternatives. He said he supports an incremental approach. Bryan stated that it is an option but this helps guide decisions for landowners, residents, businesses, and developers. Dave asked if additional study would consider Duluth/Hwy 13 intersection. He said there are a lot of problems south of Hwy 13 that could be related to the ¾ access and full access at Franklin. He said there would be impacts to the Bank, etc. if they remove the H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Citizens Business Group\CBG 2 Minutes_07172012.doc CBG #2 Meeting Minutes Downtown South Study, Prior Lake, MN Page 5 signa based on access spacing. Greg, there are signals further to north that are too close and provide for a vibrant downtown. Based on discussions between Copper Creek and MnDOT, Copper Creek got the impression that MnDOT would consider another signal if volumes are high enough. Status of info concern about sinking at ¾. Bryan will send out the five alternatives recommended to be studied further with the actual alignment of each based on the information available. 4.Next Steps th Bryan stated the next CBG meeting is tentatively scheduled for August 14 from 4 6 PM. An open house will likely be held near the end of August. H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Citizens Business Group\CBG 2 Minutes_07172012.doc DSS OWNTOWN OUTH TUDY Citizens and Business Group Meeting#3 Prior Lake City Hall Sept. 11, 2012 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM MM EETING INUTES Attendees: John Diers, Resident Charles Sunder, Ballard Sunder David Rech, Copper Creek Gerald Ziskovsky, Church of St. Michael John Siskoff, Resident Larry Poppler, City of Prior Lake Patrick Heaney, Resident Katy Gehler, City of Prior Lake Michelle Imholte, Carlson ACE Hardware Dan Rogness, City of Prior Lake Alvin Imholte, Carlson ACE Hardware Tony Winiecki, Scott County Gregory Schweich, Copper Creek Bryan Nemeth, Bolton & Menk, Inc. John Parrish, Viking Liquor Gina Mitchell, Bolton & Menk, Inc. Dawn Schulberg, Premiere Dance Academy 1.Discuss Future Forecast Traffic Volume Changes Bryan reviewed the existing and 2030 forecasted traffic volumes. He noted that all forecasts assume improvements of signal phasing, dual left turn lanes, and two lanes in each direction N-S at Hwy 13 and Hwy 21. He described those drivers already on Hwy 13 south of Duluth use Hwy 13 to access Hwy 21. Traffic on Duluth is derived from either from the surrounding neighborhoods or destined to somewhere along or near Duluth. He described that the AM (6:30-8) and PM (3:30-6) peak hour level of service limitations in the study area. Arcadia and Colorado low PM peak hour Duluth low PM peak hour Dawn stated that right turns off of Hwy 13 are difficult at Pleasant due to there always being a green light and it is hard for drivers to find a gap. Bryan reiterated the goal that there are no more signals on Hwy 13 and that access has been consolidated to balance H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Citizens Business Group\CBG 3 Minutes_09112012.doc CBG #3 Meeting Minutes Downtown South Study, Prior Lake, MN Page 2 safety and mobility. Part of the reason identified by MnDOT for moving the Pleasant Street access further south is to alleviate some of the right turn concerns. Dawn questioned the timing of when traffic data was collected. Bryan stated some was collected before school was over for the year. Summer counts were done after the construction on Duluth was completed and before construction began on Hwy 21. Counts were adjusted to account for the changes. Dawn reiterated that counts done in May through September did not consider the 3800 trips per day generated by her business. John asked Bryan to confirm the forecasts were based on Met Council projections. Bryan explained that they were and that in 2014 Met Council will have forecasts for 2035. He noted that in highly urban areas traffic tends not to grow much and in some cases declines, but in suburban areas the trends are that traffic is growing at least some. For example, Bolton & Menk has done traffic counts in Shakopee and traffic is growing at a rate of 5% a year since the recession. He noted that forecasts are estimates and their value is to estimate when operations completely fail. Projections that are off by 10% one way or failure. There is a natural occurrence of traffic volumes changing by up to 20% from one day to the next. Dawn explained that student drop off and pick up occurs between 4-7 PM and that traffic backs up to Integra along Colorado. She had 190 students in 2004 and 890 now. Bryan expressed that the alternatives will not resolve those concerns along Colorado and that only a right turn off Hwy 21 has been considered but ultimately it relies on taking property if it is built. Right now, the property impacts are too much versus the right turn lane need. Pat noted that Pleasant to Hwy 13 has double left turn lanes and there are 4 lanes on Hwy 13. Bryan noted that there are existing issues at 21 and 13 due to the split signal phasing. Gerald questioned whether the Pleasant intersection will move further to the south when 13 is improved. Dawn confirmed that Pleasant improvements would happen before the Main Street intersection is closed. Bryan stated that was accurate. Larry noted that when the Hwy 13/Duluth signal is being replaced in 2015, adding turn lanes will be looked at. 2.Review and Discuss Concepts Bryan introduced the concepts. The committee members discussed the following: #6 Concern over increased speed on Hwy 21 and the ability for pedestrians to cross at Main. Lighting, where people actually want to cross, and a grade separated crossing should be considered. City and County staff stated that the City, County, and MnDOT will need to further consider pedestrian accessibility between north and south downtown. H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Citizens Business Group\CBG 3 Minutes_09112012.doc CBG #3 Meeting Minutes Downtown South Study, Prior Lake, MN Page 3 #9 A ¾ access at Pleasant if one is allowed at Franklin. Discussion about the Digger site having a right-in/right-out. Bryan stated development would likely not happen unless the road was already built. Dave indicated that development would be willing to pay if the intersection was controlled by a traffic signal. 3.Review and Discuss Evaluation Matrices & CBG Comments and Discussion Bryan reminded the committee of the evaluation criteria and measures and introduced the matrices comparing the concepts. The following discussion was held regarding the matrices: Parking could be impacted at the funeral home. It may be possible to replace these spaces within remnant land acquired for the road. Broader parking considerations will need to be evaluated in future studies. Confirmed that 4 of the homes impacted in concepts 4 and 6 are the same homes. Confirmed a Section 106 report will be done to evaluate historic and archeological resources if federal funding is used on the project. State and local funding for the project are more likely than federal funding. Wells Fargo area will need to be looked at further to determine how access to the site would be achieved with future turn lanes in the area at Duluth/Hwy 13. Ability for the corridor to be constructed incrementally over time or not built at all. Not making a plan for the future would not preclude a future project and would only increase the level of uncertainty of what would constitute a future project. General agreement on the benefit of not disrupting Duluth and Anna with stormwater improvements by making use of the new corridor. Bryan stated that the committee should forward comments on the information presented. 4.Next Steps Bryan stated that after committee comments are received a workshop will be held with the City Council to share study information. An open house will then be held. Committee members will be kept abreast of meeting dates and times, as well as when information is posted on the project website. H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Citizens Business Group\CBG 3 Minutes_09112012.doc M E M O R A N D U M Date: October 5, 2012 To: Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) From: Bryan Nemeth Subject: Downtown South Study Draft Citizens and Business Group (CBG) Comments to Roadway Network Options Prior Lake, MN Thanks to all of the members of the Citizens and Business Group in dedicating time to this study. The dedication of this group throughout the study in providing comments to the study elements provided a needed local perspective. The comments not only assisted in decisions for this project but brought forth additional community concerns to the City. A preferred option has been developed in consideration of the Citizens and Business Group comments and the evaluation matrices. The preferred option is labeled as Option 9C. Another option (9B) was also considered. Both options have the same alignment as Option 9. 9B includes a ¾ access at the intersection of Hwy 13 and Pleasant Street and includes a right-in/right-out at the intersection of Anna Trail/Franklin Trail. 9C included a ¾ access at the intersection of Hwy 13 and Pleasant Street and includes a right- in/right-out at the intersection of Hwy 13/Anna Trail and a ¾ access at Hwy 13/Franklin Trail. The options were developed to keep the ¾ access at Pleasant Street, as that was a significant concern for the community and is consistent with previous discussions on access, with the future changes at CH 21 and Main Avenue. MnDOT has stated that only one ¾ access will be allowed between Duluth and CH 21 on Hwy 13. Consequently, the access at Anna/Franklin Trail is shown as a right-in/right-out in 9B. Additional discussions with MnDOT led to the creation of concept 9C. As Anna Trail is currently a right-in/right-out, option 9C maintains the existing access configuration west of Hwy 13. The preferred option can be implemented in stages as determined by the City. Option 9C sets a future roadway through future development areas so that any potential development in the area knows the future plans and the development can be accommodated consistent with the plan for the roadways. Option 9C provides a direct connection between Duluth Avenue and Arcadia Avenue and also connects the signals at Hwy 13 and at CH 21. The change in the location of the ¾ access results in a significant cost decrease, making it essentially equal in cost to Option 6. Please see the response to comments below for more specifics. H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Citizens Business Group\CBG 3_Options Evaluation Comments_100512.doc Page 2 CBG Comments Summary: The following is presented as a summary of the numerous comments from the Citizens and Business Group for consideration of the Downtown South roadway network alternatives. This does not include all of the comments. The full comments are provided following the summary. 1. ¾ Access at Hwy 13 and Pleasant Street is preferred. Consistent with previous studies, original plan Response: The preferred option includes the ¾ access at Hwy 13/Pleasant Street. 2. Do not support options 6 and 9 since the ¾ access would be moved now or in the future Response: The preferred option includes the ¾ access at Hwy 13/Pleasant Street. 3. ¾ access needs to be built at the same time as the CH 21/Main changes Response: The ¾ access is planned for construction at the same time as the CH 21/Main Street access changes. 4. Support for connection from Colorado to Pleasant Response: The preferred option includes the connection from Colorado to Pleasant. 5. Developer gets all of the benefits in Options 6 and 9 Response: The preferred option puts forth a City plan for the preferred configuration for a roadway through the future development area. Actual construction of this roadway will likely require Developer assistance. 6. Option 6 opens areas for development for less cost than Option 9 and takes less homes than Option 4 Response: The preferred option has been adjusted so that the difference in cost between the alternatives is essentially equal. 7. Support Option 9 with ¾ access at Pleasant, RIRO at Anna/Franklin Response: The preferred option includes this configuration. 8. Support of an incremental approach Response: The preferred option can be implemented incrementally. 9. Oppose all options since they will cost the City money and will impact properties Response: The preferred option will impact properties and cost money to complete, when it is constructed. The preferred option best meets the goals and measures of the study. 10. Need the Arcadia connection from Anna to Pleasant to make roadway functional Response: The preferred option includes the connection. 11. Colorado Street is not con Response: The preferred option provides several access points into south Downtown to distribute the traffic. H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Citizens Business Group\CBG 3_Options Evaluation Comments_100512.doc Page 3 12. Recognition of issues at CH 21 and Duluth, but no support for closure Response: Scott County has indicated that the intersection will remain open in the short term but the median will be closed in the future. A right-in/right-out will be maintained unless there are safety concerns that necessitate its closure. 13. Option 6 may have merit with a traffic signal and downtown signage. Does not without. Response: MnDOT has stated that another signal will not be allowed between Duluth and CH 21. The preferred option does not include Arcadia Avenue connecting directly to Hwy 13 as shown under Option 6. 14. Preserve existing homes, businesses, and neighborhoods Response: The preferred option will impact some properties but preserves as many as possible. The actual alignment will be adjusted to impact as few properties as possible, while still maintaining appropriate design elements. 15. Do not support Option 4 due to impacts to homes and businesses, cannot be completed incrementally, dead end on Duluth Response: Option 4 was eliminated as the preferred option due to the impacts to homes and businesses. 16. Protect the environment Response: The preferred option does impact the wetland south of Pleasant Street. Mitigation of the wetland to protect the environment will be included with the roadway designed through the area. 17. Best potential for development in Prior Lake is at Loren Gross and Diggers properties Response: The preferred option does provide a roadway plan that crosses through the Loren Gross and Diggers properties and would still provide an opportunity for development. 18. Change No--E or 1-5, since NB has some build components. Response: The No-Build will be adjusted in the documents as the baseline, since there are buildable elements. The numbers will be maintained in recognition of the numerous alternatives that were discussed throughout the process. 19. Install signal at CH 21 and Arcadia today, even before median changes at Main Response: The signal is tentatively planned for in the Scott County Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) for 2019. The County plans to install the signal at the same time as the Main Street median changes. 20. Safe pedestrian crossing needed today at CH 21 and Arcadia Response: The pedestrian crossing at CH 21 and Arcadia will occur with the signal installation. It is recognized that any at-grade pedestrian crossing of a high volume multi-lane highway is a hazard for pedestrians. The City has and will continue to evaluate options for a grade separated crossing opportunity on CH 21. 21. Safe pedestrian crossing needed today at CH 21 and Main Response: The all-way stop currently at CH 21 and Main has a pedestrian crossing in which vehicles are required to stop. It is recognized that any at-grade pedestrian crossing of a high H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Citizens Business Group\CBG 3_Options Evaluation Comments_100512.doc Page 4 volume multi-lane highway is a hazard for pedestrians. The City has and will continue to evaluate options for a grade separated crossing opportunity on CH 21. 22. Safe pedestrian crossing needed at CH 21 and Main, pedestrian signal coordinated with Hwy 13? Response: A traffic signal at CH 21/Main, even a pedestrian signal, will not provide the signal access separation as recommended in the CH 21 Corridor Study. It is recognized that any at-grade pedestrian crossing of a high volume multi-lane highway is a hazard for pedestrians. The City has and will continue to evaluate options for a grade separated crossing opportunity on CH 21. 23. Safe pedestrian crossing needed today at Hwy 13 and Duluth Response: A traffic signal is installed at the intersection which does provide a crosswalk across Hwy 13. It is recognized that any at-grade pedestrian crossing of a high volume highway is a hazard for pedestrians. The City has and will continue to evaluate options for a grade separated crossing opportunity on Hwy 13. 24. Speed limit should be looked at on CH 21 and Hwy 13 Response: Scott County and MnDOT will continue to evaluate the speed limit along the highways, especially as the intersection changes are implemented. 25. Traffic and pedestrian issues along Colorado Street in front of Premiere Dance Academy need to be rectified. Traffic volumes have increased with opening of Arcadia, traffic now drops off students on south side of Colorado instead of north side where it is safer, traffic moves too fast through area, need a safe pedestrian crossing Response: The City will continue to work with Premiere Dance Academy to evaluate options along Colorado Street. With the opening of Arcadia Avenue it is recognized that patrons of Premiere Dance Academy are now accessing Colorado Street from Arcadia Avenue, whereas it appears that previously patrons were split between Main and Duluth. This has essentially changed the pattern of traffic where fewer patrons are dropping off students on the north side of Colorado and are now dropping them off on the south side of Colorado. The City will work with Premiere Dance Academy to direct parents and patrons to drop off and pick up students on the north side of Colorado Street as this is a safer option. Currently Colorado can be accessed off of Main. When the median is closed, patrons should be directed to access Colorado from Main off of CH 21 (eastbound CH 21 traffic) or off of the ¾ access at Pleasant Street (southbound and northbound Hwy 13 and westbound CH 21 traffic). 26. Need an eastbound right turn lane at Duluth from CH 21 Response: The County will continue to evaluate the need and possibility for adding a right turn lane at the location. The County does not currently own right-of-way to accommodate a right turn lane. 27. If no signal at CH 21 and Arcadia, install one at Duluth Response: A signal is planned for CH 21/Arcadia and no signal is planned for CH 21 at Duluth based on the recommendation in the CH 21 Corridor Study. 28. Decrease speed limit on Colorado from Arcadia to Main, and on Duluth from 21 to Pleasant Response: The speed limit on all residential local streets is currently set at 30 mph. The City will continue to evaluate the speed of vehicles on the streets and law enforcement will continue to ticket violators. H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Citizens Business Group\CBG 3_Options Evaluation Comments_100512.doc Page 5 29. Need more identification of street names from CH 21 and Hwy 13 Response: The City will work with Scott County and MnDOT to determine what additional signage is needed along the corridors. 30. Colorado Street snow removal should be reviewed Response: Snow removal curb to curb is difficult in an urban situation with little to no snow storage available adjacent to the street. The City will review their snow removal procedures along Colorado Street to see if anything can be done. 31. Hwy 13/Duluth should be completed at same time or before CH 21/Main and Hwy 13/Pleasant Response: The intersection improvements recommended in this study for Hwy 13/Duluth are being considered by the City and MnDOT to occur at approximately the same time or earlier than the improvements at CH 21/Main and Hwy 13/Pleasant. 32. Frontage road to connect Anna Trail to ¾ at Pleasant? Response: A frontage road from Anna Trail to the ¾ at Pleasant is difficult to implement as this would create a T-intersection immediately west of Hwy 13. This configuration has many safety and operational issues. 33. Need improvements, including right turn lanes, at all intersections along Hwy 13 Response: The City will continue to work with MnDOT to include right turn lanes at intersections. The recommended option does include right turn lanes for all of the public street access points on Hwy 13 through the study area. 34. 2030 Vision Plan should be replaced with a 2012 Survival Plan, fix what is wrong today, not what could be an issue in the future Response: The City adopted the Vision Plan to understand the wants and needs of the City. The Vision is updated as needed. 35. If you close down Duluth for left turns this will affect West and lake side traffic even if you say it Response: A signal will be added at Arcadia whereas no signal will be added at West. If Duluth is closed for some movements, traffic will go to the intersection where it is easiest to make the movements. During the peak hours, this is Arcadia. During non-peak hours, traffic may use West, but it is anticipated that the majority of traffic will use Arcadia as drivers will be used to using it during the peak hours. 36. Focus on our current downtown businesses so they continue to thrive Response: The preferred option focuses on the current downtown businesses. 37. Safety, crash, accidents, traffic counts and studies were conducted in 2005, Summer of 2011 and during construction this spring/summer of 2012. Bolton and Menk have stated that the traffic counts as a whole do not affect the final decision on this project. This answer is questionable when it has an enormous effect on safety specifically with St. Michaels and Premiere Dance. Response: Traffic volumes are part of the evaluation, especially as it relates to traffic in front of certain pedestrian heavy destinations. All of the options, except no-build, are expected to result in a decrease of traffic adjacent to St. Michaels. Based on the traffic projections, the traffic volume at Premiere Dance Academy is not expected to change significantly, but the directionality may change. H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Citizens Business Group\CBG 3_Options Evaluation Comments_100512.doc Page 6 38. Considering the option to turn Arcadia (from CR21) to a Right turn only, or creating a one way on Colorado St will significantly cause a decline in businesses and have an enormous adverse effect for several businesses including Premiere Dance Academy. It does not meet the CBG goal #2. Response: There is no option that turns Arcadia to a right turn only. Two options discussed early on in the project were to address possible safety issues at the intersection of Colorado/Arcadia that may develop, but may not. When a signal is installed at CH 21/Arcadia, the backups from the signal will likely back up through the intersection of Colorado when traffic increases. This backup may result in the development of a backup from the southbound left at Colorado, potentially backing up traffic to CH 21, causing a safety issue on CH 21. One option was to add a median on Arcadia through Colorado to eliminate southbound left turns, eliminating the possibility for the southbound backup to occur. The other was to turn Colorado to a westbound one-way street to also eliminate the southbound backup, since the movement would not be allowed. Access to the businesses including Premiere Dance Academy would be provided from the east off of Main, which can be accessed from the west on CH 21, and from the south, north, and east from Pleasant Street and Main. The City anticipates that there will be no change at the intersection unless there are safety issues. 39. Although recognized in the meetings as a concern, and is ranked in the alternative comparison chart, the pedestrian issue discussion was not taken into consideration for discussion at the meetings. Response: Pedestrian safety is always a consideration, and is considered in this study. Many of the pedestrian issues and concerns brought up during discussion were on CH 21 and Hwy 13, which have been previously studied by the City. 40. Several comments on ranking scores of or + Connection to Existing Businesses Response: The rankings are based on the Alternative Evaluation Criteria. The rankings are based on comparison to existing access. From the north on Hwy 13, one of the two existing accesses is lost under all options (CH 21 at Main) and the access at Pleasant Street is maintained. Loss of one access. From the south on Hwy 13, there is currently no direct access to south downtown. There is access at CH 21/Main but drivers have to go past south downtown through CH 21/Hwy 13 to get there. Since traffic has to backtrack, Arcadia is considered to be an equivalent access. A connection is also provided at Duluth Avenue. By adding any ¾ access on Hwy 13, the access is increased by one. Gain of one access. From the west on CH 21, there are currently two direct accesses to south downtown, one at Arcadia and one at Main. The closure of the median at Main will not change the access for this direction of traffic. The future options do not change the number of accesses. No change in access. From the east on CH 21, one of the two existing accesses is lost under all options (CH 21 at Main) and the access at Pleasant Street is maintained. Loss of one access. 41. Option 1: Additional undetermined stop signs are added Response: Stop signs are anticipated to be the same as today, except at Pleasant, which is anticipated to be a stop for Arcadia under option 1. Under all other options or when option 1 is H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Citizens Business Group\CBG 3_Options Evaluation Comments_100512.doc Page 7 part of an incremental approach, the stop signs are expected to be installed on Pleasant, and Arcadia would function as the through street. 42. Several comments on ranking scores of Response: The rankings are based on the Alternative Evaluation Criteria. Under the category, the focus was actually encompasses opening up area beyond the south downtown and transitional town center within the City. Since existing businesses are located in the South Downtown, it was not a goal to open areas to replace those existing businesses. 43. Option 1: 4 homes taken. Are these residents on board already? Response: The study process involves developing a roadway concept that best meets the project goals. The community will be informed of the options and will have an opportunity to comment. The concept as developed will include property acquisition. How this acquisition will be completed will be up to the City and the City will work with the property owners. 44. Option 4: 12 homes taken. In 2011, the decision was made to NOT have this large of an impact on roadways and housing in this area. The council agreed. Is this currently back on the table for consideration? Response: The preferred concept is not option 4, much of the reason lies in the number of property acquisitions. This concept was evaluated since it is the only option that meets all of the goals and avoids the wetland. If the City wants to acquire funding from outside sources, an option that avoids the wetlands is required as an alternative. This evaluation provides the full analysis against the other options and was ultimately eliminated for multiple reasons, including the property acquisition. 45. I think the city has the ability to have some very tough discussions with Mn/Dot and Scott County to deliver what we need for the community. Exceptions have been made in the past and will continue to be made in the future. Response: The City will continue to work with MnDOT and Scott County on access considerations, but the preferred option maintains the access as stated through previous studies and as agreed upon by MnDOT and Scott County. 46. The Loren Gross and Diggers properties are the best potential site for downtown growth today. future without ingress/egress challenges that exist today with those vacant properties. For those potentially 60 residences within walking distance of downtown as significant. Expanding the potential size of downtown allows the community to flourish by creating the desire/demand but without taking out 20 or 30 historic homes and destroying the small town feel we are all fighting so hard for. This road could solve most of downtowns parking problems, too and no one else is offering a solution that delivers that. Response: The City includes the Loren Gross and Diggers properties as future commercial and residential growth areas in the 2030 Comprehensive Plan. None of the options eliminate the possibility for development in the areas, but some of the options do set a future roadway network design through the area that is acceptable to the City based on this study. A future roadway H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Citizens Business Group\CBG 3_Options Evaluation Comments_100512.doc Page 8 network concept that runs through the properties does help to open the areas since it sets up a future plan for the area. Comments from Prior Lake/Spring Park Watershed District 47. While a wetland delineation is provided for the complex north of the former Diggers Polaris site (W-114-22-02-12 and W-114-22-02-13), there is no delineation provided for the wetland to the west of that site (W-114-22-02-11). Given that Concept 9 proposes a realignment that could encroach upon W-114-22-02-11, the District recommends obtaining a wetland delineation and evaluating the potential impact of the alternatives on that wetland. Response: A wetland delineation has not been completed for the southern wetland. The preferred concept would run adjacent to this wetland and the preliminary design process will include a wetland delineation. The specific roadway alignment will be determined during preliminary design and will be adjusted to minimize wetland impacts. 48. Topographic lines would help in determining the potential impact of various actions. Response: Survey of the area has not been completed at this time. The preliminary design will include the survey which will include the topography. 49. appears to indicate that concepts 6 and 9 have greater potential wetland impacts. Response: The summary just compares the alternatives against one another, and not against any specific measure. Concepts 6 and 9 do have greater potential for wetland impacts, so they are ranked lower. 50. would be a better classification of that review element. Response: Historic structures could be classified under both depending on your point of view. Review of the categories was conducted and historic structures were moved to Built Environment. 51. Overall, the materials lay out the benefits and detriments of the alternative concepts relative to one another quite well. Given the goals and priorities of the District as outlined in our 2010 Comprehensive Plan, and the fairly narrow scope of review for this project, I feel the District would be most supportive of the design alternatives that minimize impacts to water resources, which would be the no-build, concept 1, and concept 4 alternatives. However, the overall Downtown South project entails more than is encapsulated in the materials provided, and the -addressed activities. The preferred approach would be for the District to provide input on an overall plan for the Downtown South area, incorporating at least transportation, zoning, and parks & open spaces. With this approach, areas of mutual interest (such as hydrologic manipulation, promotion of public engagement with natural resources, and potential wetland restoration) could be explored, and the District could consider financial partnership on specific project elements. It is difficult to explore these areas of potential partnership when reviewing individual elements of an overall plan in isolation. H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Citizens Business Group\CBG 3_Options Evaluation Comments_100512.doc Page 9 Response: The City will continue to work with the District to analyze and determine the un- addressed activities. The preliminary design of any future roadway will determine specific alignments and set up an overall plan for the area that includes the elements mentioned. H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Citizens Business Group\CBG 3_Options Evaluation Comments_100512.doc Page 10 Comments With a stop light at Franklin Trail and 13, and proper signage as the entrance to downtown, option 6 had some merit. Without the stoplight it does not. 1. At this point the options that contain the 3/4 access into downtown south would be acceptable. 2. Pedestrian crossing 21 at main needs to be addressed now. Traffic speed should be no more than 30 mph and signage should be improved. 3. I would be willing to provide any additional information you would like. It seems that you the city and the developers are all in favor of 6 and 9, but those 2 dont help and only hurt your existing businesses that have been supporting Prior Lake for years. The 3/4 access on Pleasant is something that will actually help Downtown South when the Main Street is closed. So why would the city want to hurt the existing businesses in favor of what could be someday? Also if you close down Duluth for left turns this will affect West and lake side traffic even if you say it wont. Why would one go east to go west seems silly right? ¾ on Pleasant is a must with any plan. As we move forward through the discussion sessions, and for the sake of clarity, please change the option labeled "No Build" to a more accurate label- such as: "Basic Plan- Phase II", or "Existing Plan", or even label the final five plans as A-E or 1-5. The "No Build" option is not void of building. Along with the three identified hot spots that need addressing- 3/4 access at Pleasant & 13, the intersection of Main & 21, and the intersection of Duluth & 21, there are numerous other ideas that should be discussed, and could improve the pedestrian and traffic movement and safety throughout the downtown area. These proposals would require modest investments in construction costs- plus the added incentive of being studied, monitored, modified, and even eliminated if deemed unsuccessful. I. Arcadia/ 21 Intersection A) Install the traffic light now. Do not wait 3-5 years to promote pedestrian traffic- and vehicle movement - near the library, city hall, Colorado Avenue businesses, and other connected downtown areas. B) Install a crosswalk signal that would be used as needed. This short-term solution would also allow for a safe pedestrian movement between the center of north and south downtown. C) With any traffic/pedestrian mix, place clear signage throughout the area to inform all parties of the upcoming intersection. II. Arcadia/Colorado/Dance Studio (and neighboring businesses- plus the VFW traffic demands) * With the opening of Arcadia, very demanding and potentially serious traffic situations could arise. Enrollment of nearly 900 children creates a "school environment" within the expanded traffic pattern. A) Install a crosswalk light at the street crossing of the dance studio. It will again be used as needed- generally from 4p.m.- 9p.m. B) Close off the west end driveway of the municipal lot (across from the dance studio and T- Shirts & More) and expand- and clean up- the east entrance. C) Create a 20 mph slowdown zone on Colorado from Arcadia to Main Street. III. Duluth/21 Intersection A) Expand/widen eastbound 21 right turn lane onto Duluth (The same with the right turn lane H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Citizens Business Group\CBG 3_Options Evaluation Comments_100512.doc Page 11 on West Avenue). B) If no light is placed on Arcadia, install a traffic light at Duluth & 21- favoring the traffic volume on 21. Also allowing a limited time for west bound traffic turning left off of 21 onto Duluth. C) Create a 20 mph slow down zone from Duluth/21 intersection past St. Michael's school, church, and parking lot. IV. Main Avenue/21 Intersection * Background assumptions- This intersection has cost our citizens thousands of dollars in consultant fees and studies, taken hundreds of hours of citizen, business, and government discussions, and still remains a present day hot spot. A) Install a pedestrian crosswalk traffic light that could synch with the present 13 & 21 traffic light- and possibly the Arcadia light. This crosswalk light would obviously be used only as needed. B) Identify this intersection more clearly with increased signage, street painting, and a possible overhead identification. As a final thought, after discussions with many business owners, and residents within- and outside- the downtown area , the solutions for some of our problems do not require immediate attention. Examples: The right in/right out options on the Pleasant Street/21 intersection (near Fong's) is presently working fine. The right in/right out at Duluth & 21 is working well also. However, the left turn onto west bound 21 is potentially dangerous- and the left turn from west bound 21 onto Duluth is challenging and often traffic clogging. Therefore, an incremental approach is the best option to our challenging traffic pattern throughout our downtown area. Arguably, the $3.1 million dollar intersection at Arcadia & 21 did not move us forward- and has created some predicted, potential problems. We need to address these challenges with a balanced, frugal approach. We also need open discussions that ask the questions- Is it necessary? Who benefits? Who pays? And, are there alternatives that could be implemented for short term solutions- then evaluated, modified, and even eliminated if deemed unsuccessful. We know the challenges, but the solutions can be complex. Sometimes, simple steps could lead us in the right direction. Please consider the following in the studies, conclusions and final decisions regarding the Downtown South Study Alternatives. FOR ALL OPTIONS: 3/4 Accessibility at Pleasant St and Hwy 13: *Based upon the Arcadia road project, the decision was approved and agreed upon to place a median at Main and CR21 at which time Pleasant Street and Hwy 13 were to become a ¾ access to provide accessibility to our downtown residents and businesses. Options 6 & 9 moves the ¾ access to Anna & Franklin Trl which requires a long travel time for consumers, customers & residents to travel through a neighborhood to locate and provide commerce to our south downtown area. If 6 & 9 is chosen, the Right street network that is consistent with the CR 21 plan, provides connectivity and facilities for motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists between downtown and other destinations, provides access to downtown south t H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Citizens Business Group\CBG 3_Options Evaluation Comments_100512.doc Page 12 with the CR 21 plan, it does not provide access to downtown businesses and provides very little access to Duluth. Changing our roadways for possible future development is key, however we must also remain focused on our current downtown businesses so they continue to thrive. Placing the ¾ turn further south will have an enormous impact on businesses and residents traveling from the south. Pleasant Street and Hwy 13 must remain a ¾ despite future development to the south. The Duluth and Hwy 13 access should be adequate connection to new development with a right in/right out at Anna and Franklin. Changing access to our south downtown, whether it is now or in the future, could affect the viability of the current businesses and should not be a consideration. Considering the option to turn Arcadia (from CR21) to a Right turn only, or creating a one way on Colorado St will significantly cause a decline in businesses and have an enormous adverse effect for several businesses including Premiere Dance Academy. It does not meet the CBG goal #2. (see above). Duluth and CR21: * The possibility of fully closing Duluth and CR21 in the future, for any of the options being considered, could be regrettable. It is a strong connection to the south portion of downtown. For our residents, schools, and businesses, Duluth and CR 21 should remain accessible. Traffic & Pedestrians: *The traffic on Colorado St. has already increased since Arcadia has opened. Safety, crash, accidents, traffic counts and studies were conducted in 2005, Summer of 2011 and during construction this spring/summer of 2012. Bolton and Menk have stated that the traffic counts as a whole do not affect the final decision on this project. This answer is questionable when it has an enormous effect on safety specifically with St. Michaels and Premiere Dance. Increasing the crosswalk signage and/or creating other crosswalk changes to promote safety is vital to everyone. The Star Tribune has recently published an article (dated Sept 9 2012) regarding the increase in ac metro, cities are installing more neon yellow crossing signs and engineers are shifting street design to consider pedestrians as well as motorists. The state is this month also launching its first pedestrian safety *The original approved design for Premiere Dance Academy was to provide a safe drop off area in front of the building for young students. The Arcadia project without the ¾ at Pleasant/Hwy13 will now change the flow and direction of traffic and will provide a challenge to our students (they will be dropped off on the other side of the street). This safety issue is alarming and could have an adverse effect on this business. This business should be considered not unlike any other school in the district. Enrollment is currently (Sept 2012) at 890 students attending multiple times per week for an approximate 3800 drop off/pickups per WEEK. St Michaels enrollment is approximately 550. * Although recognized in the meetings as a concern, and is ranked in the alternative comparison chart, the pedestrian issue discussion was not taken into consideration for discussion at the meetings. DETAILED OPTION COMMENTS: No Build Option: *No future infrastructure and roadway connections. Roat *Colorado Street is a small street that is not comparable to Main, Duluth or Pleasant St. It is not everyone. Arcadia St and Colorado St affect traffic flow and increase current congestion. Future stop lights will cause traffic to back up at Arcadia. The distance from Premiere Dance and Arcadia St is short H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Citizens Business Group\CBG 3_Options Evaluation Comments_100512.doc Page 13 and could create a huge back up at the stop signs and in front of Premiere. Please consider that people will be stopping to drop children off and traffic will be interrupted by students attempting to cross the street and parents who are attempting to drop or pick up their child. It will be a surprise approach to all involved and will create congestion and huge safety risks. -ort of connection to existing north on hwy 13 to downtown, this should actually Option 1 : *Incremental development potential as growth occurs *Appears to show reasonable traffic fluidity through downtown *Additional undetermined stop signs are added *3/4 access remains open at Pleasant for south downtown accessibility - north on hwy 13 to downtown, this ranking should *Comparing Alternatives in the Bolton &b Menk Study, regarding the Economic Viability of this option, - - Option 4: *Longer movement traveling from the south to our downtown *Dead end at Duluth - north on Hwy 13 to downtown, this ranking e ¾ access on Pleasant Ave. This would change the overall ranking. *Comparing Alternatives in the Bolton &b Menk Study, regarding the Economic Viability of this option, - - Option 6: *3/4 Access will be open at Anna Trl and Franklin Trl for new development. ¾ access will be closed for our south downtown residents and businesses The Right in/Right out at Pleasant does not meet our CBG connectivity and facilities for motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists between downtown and other destinations, provides access to downtown south businesses and provides access for traffic between downtown businesses and provides very little access to Duluth Ave. *This option is only beneficial to the developer and not the existing businesses downtown. This helps the city with a larger tax base, but opens the door to lose tax base from existing businesses that could fail based on the design with limited or no accessibility to downtown from the south. (3/4 access at Pleasant & Hwy 13). Thus, this is a fatal flaw in that the developer gains and existing fails. H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Citizens Business Group\CBG 3_Options Evaluation Comments_100512.doc Page 14 *Comparing Alternatives in the Bolton & Menk Study, regarding the Connectivity and Accessibility of this - because it does NOT provide a reasonable connection to the south downtown area of the city. For instance, coming from the south, how do you arrive at Fongs, VFW, Ace Hardware, Viking Liquor, Integra, T-Shirts & More, Premiere Dance Academy without traveling from Anna Trail/Franklin Trail through a long connection with several turns to before arriving safely at your destination. Option 9: *3/4 Access will be closed for our south downtown residents and businesses The Right in/Right out at Pleasant does with the CR 21 plan, provides connectivity and facilities for motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists between downtown and other destinations, provides access to downtown south businesses and provides access for ent with the CR 21 plan, it does not provide access to downtown businesses and provides very little access to Duluth Ave. *This option is only beneficial to the developer and not the existing businesses downtown. This helps the city with a larger tax base, but opens the door to lose tax base from existing businesses that could fail based on the design with limited or no accessibility to downtown from the south. (3/4 access at Pleasant & Hwy 13). Thus, this is a fatal flaw in that the developer gains and existing fails. *Comparing Alternatives in the Bolton & Menk Study, regarding the Connectivity and Accessibility of - because it does NOT provide a reasonable connection to the south downtown area of the city. For instance, coming from the south, how do you arrive at Fongs, VFW, Ace Hardware, Viking Liquor, Integra, T-Shirts & More, Premiere Dance Academy without traveling from Anna Trail/Franklin Trail through a long connection with several turns to before arriving safely at your destination. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: *Snow: Snow and snow plowing currently have an enormous impact on Colorado St. Snow decreases parking spaces & street size. It affects the crosswalk area and street parking. During the winter, with snow and ice issues, the pedestrian crosswalk sign (located in the center of the street) must be removed off for the plows, snowstorms, and ice problems. This sign is the street until spring time. The neighboring businesses have no snow removal practices in place and thus create an enormous amount of snow that blocks the crosswalk area access and decreases the road size. The crosswalk signs are only ing ahead that children may be crossing the street. Incremental roadway options for the future are excellent opportunities for our City, however removing the ¾ access cannot jeopardize, compromise or reduce the viability of our current businesses and resident access. Incremental options could assist everyone in adapting new development and future expansion of our city without dismissing the current opportunities available. It will only be a positive move for everyone if we can move forward along with the economy, the progress of Prior Lake and the occur in the future and money was spent without forward thinking and minimal impact for all. We agreed that we would submit our comments, together, because we share the same concerns and have heard similar issues expressed by downtown business people and residents of the Pleasant Street neighborhood. Fundamentally, we believe we need to take care of the issues and problems we face now and in the next five years, not 20 years from now. None of the so- H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Citizens Business Group\CBG 3_Options Evaluation Comments_100512.doc Page 15 criterion. Economists and demographers tell us there is a major shift in growth patterns on the way as the baby boomers age and the, so- already. Currently, the hottest real estate markets are in downtown Minneapolis and Lowertown in downtown St. Paul. There is also considerable activity along the Central Corridor light rail line, which will serve both downtowns and the University of Minnesota The same is true in other large metropolitan areas. Funds for road building are, also, scarce. t all needs, and MNDOT is focusing on maintenance and the improvement of existing infrastructure, not new grow, but at a slower pace, which is why we b wisely and incrementally, not according to 20-year traffic projections and development plans. Above all, we should not be using $4.5 million of public money for private development. If the developers of the profits, and they should be responsible for both. Generally: * Deal with the congestion and traffic issues that already exist. This may be t it is the alternative that is consistent with available public resources. * Pedestrian and bike access are criticalgrade separated crossings of Hwy 21 at Main and Arcadia and Hwy 13 and Duluth are urgently needed and are an ideal solutioneither pedestrian bridges or tunnels. If of time before someone is killed or seriously injured attempting to cross these roadways. The present all about roads, not people. * Preserve existing homes, businesses, and neighborhoods and protect the environment. Ripping apart an existing neighborhood, taking homes, or building a road through a protected wetland are neither sustainable, nor are they in the best long term interests of the city especially when proposed solely to satisfy short term development interests. Finally, I want to compliment you, and others, at Bolton-ve done. You were handed a difficult, controversial assignment that has profound implications for the businesses and Please consider the following in the studies, conclusions and final decisions regarding the Downtown South Study Alternatives. FOR ALL OPTIONS: Duluth and CR21: * The possibility of fully closing Duluth and CR21 in the future, for any of the options being considered, could be regrettable. It is a strong connection to the south portion of downtown. For our residents, schools, and businesses, Duluth and CR 21 should remain accessible. 3/4 Accessibility at Pleasant St and Hwy 13: *Based upon the Arcadia road project, the decision was approved and agreed upon to place a median at Main and CR21 at which time Pleasant Street and Hwy 13 were to become a ¾ access to provide accessibility to our downtown residents and businesses. Options 6 & 9 moves the ¾ access to Anna & Franklin Trl which requires a long travel time for consumers, customers & residents to travel through a neighborhood to locate and provide commerce to our south downtown area. If 6 & 9 is chosen, the Right e H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Citizens Business Group\CBG 3_Options Evaluation Comments_100512.doc Page 16 street network that is consistent with the CR 21 plan, provides connectivity and facilities for motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists between downtown and other destinations, provides access to downtown south businesses and provides access for traffic b with the CR 21 plan, it does not provide access to downtown businesses and provides very little access to Duluth. Changing our roadways for possible future development is key, however we must also remain focused on our current downtown businesses so they continue to thrive. Placing the ¾ turn further south will have an enormous impact on businesses and residents traveling from the south. Pleasant Street and Hwy 13 must remain a ¾ despite future development to the south. The Duluth and Hwy 13 access should be adequate connection to new development with a right in/right out at Anna and Franklin. Changing access to our south downtown, whether it is now or in the future, for and unknown development, cuts off the viability of the current businesses and should not be a consideration. Considering the option to turn Arcadia (from CR21) to a Right turn only, or creating a one way on Colorado St will significantly cause a decline in businesses and have an enormous adverse effect for Premiere Dance Academy. It does not meet the CBG goal #2. (see above) Traffic & Pedestrians: *The traffic on Colorado St. has already increased since Arcadia has opened. Safety, crash, accidents, traffic counts and studies were conducted in 2005, Summer of 2011 and during construction this spring/summer of 2012. Bolton and Menk have stated that the traffic counts as a whole do not affect the final decision on this project. This answer is questionable when it has an enormous effect on safety specifically with St. Michaels and Premiere Dance. Can we address future crosswalk possibilities for all areas? The Star Tribune has recently published an article (dated Sept 9 2012) regarding the increase in accidents and injuries at crosswalk signs and engineers are shifting street design to consider pedestrians as well as motorists. The state is this month also launching its first pedestrian safety campaign in nearly 15 year *The original approved design for Premiere Dance Academy was to provide a safe drop off area in front of the building for young students. The Arcadia project without the ¾ at Pleasant/Hwy13 will now change the flow and direction of traffic and will provide a challenge to our students (they will be dropped off on the other side of the street). This safety issue is alarming and could have an adverse effect on this business. *Premiere Dance Academy should be considered not unlike any other school in the district. Enrollment is currently (Sept 2012) at 890 students attending multiple times per week for an approximate 3800 drop off/pickups per WEEK. St Michaels enrollment is approximately 550. * Although recognized in the meetings as a concern, and is ranked in the alternative comparison chart, the pedestrian issue discussion was not taken into consideration for discussion at the meetings. DETAILED OPTION COMMENTS: No Build Option: *Closes Duluth St/CR21 accessibility *3/4 Access will open when Main median is installed *No homes are taken *0.3M (todays cost) H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Citizens Business Group\CBG 3_Options Evaluation Comments_100512.doc Page 17 *Pedestrian Crossing is unknown *Colorado Street is a small street that is not comparable to Main, Duluth or Pleasant St. It is not everyone. Arcadia St and Colorado St affect traffic flow and increase current congestion. Future stop lights will cause traffic to back up at Arcadia. The distance from Premiere Dance and Arcadia St is short and could create a huge back up at the stop signs and in front of Premiere. Please consider that people will be stopping to drop children off and traffic will be interrupted by students attempting to cross the street and parents who are attempting to drop or pick up their child. It will be a surprise approach to all involved and will create congestion and huge safety risks. *Comparing Alternatives in the Bolton & Menk Study- existing north on hwy 13 to downtown, this should actually Option 1 : *Closes Duluth St/CR21 accessibility *3/4 Access remains open, when Main median is installed *4 homes taken. Are these residents on board already? *1.6M (todays cost) *Pedestrian Crossing is unknown *Incremental development as growth occurs *Better fluidity through downtown *Additional undetermined stop signs are added *3/4 access remains open at Pleasant for south downtown accessibility - In the column regarding traveling north on hwy 13 to downtown, this ranking should *Comparing Alternatives in the Bolton &b Menk Study, regarding the Economic Viability of this option, - - t Option 4: *Closes Duluth St/CR21 accessibility *3/4 Access remains open when Main median is installed *12 homes taken. In 2011, the decision was made to NOT have this large of an impact on roadways and housing in this area. The council agreed. Is this currently back on the table for consideration? *3.9M (todays cost) *Pedestrian Crossing unknown *Affect on Ballard Sunder? *Council is opposed to this because it is not conducive to incremental options H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Citizens Business Group\CBG 3_Options Evaluation Comments_100512.doc Page 18 *Longer movement traveling from the south to our downtown *Dead end at Duluth - north on Hwy 13 to downtown, this ranking his would change the overall ranking. *Comparing Alternatives in the Bolton &b Menk Study, regarding the Economic Viability of this option, it - become a- Option 6: *Closes Duluth St/CR21 accessibility *3/4 Access will be open at Anna Trl and Franklin Trl for new development. ¾ access will be closed for our south downtown residents and businesses The Right in/Right out at Pleasant does not meet our CBG connectivity and facilities for motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists between downtown and other destinations, provides access to downtown south businesses and provides access for traffic between downtown businesses and provides very little access to Duluth Ave. *5 homes taken *3.6M (todays cost) *No Pedestrian crossing *Undetermined wetland impact *This option is only beneficial to the developer and not the existing businesses downtown. This helps the city with a larger tax base, but opens the door to lose tax base from existing businesses that could fail based on the design with limited or no accessibility to downtown from the south. (3/4 access at Pleasant & Hwy 13). Thus, this is a fatal flaw in that the developer gains and existing fails. *Comparing Alternatives in the Bolton & Menk Study, regarding the Connectivity and Accessibility of this - because it does NOT provide a reasonable connection to the south downtown area of the city. For instance, coming from the south, how do you arrive at Fongs, VFW, Ace Hardware, Viking Liquor, Integra, T-Shirts & More, Premiere Dance Academy without traveling from Anna Trail/Franklin Trail through a long connection with several turns to before arriving safely at your destination. Option 9: *Closes Duluth St/CR21 accessibility *3/4 Access will be closed for our south downtown residents and businesses The Right in/Right out at Pleasant does with the CR 21 plan, provides connectivity and facilities for motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists between downtown and other destinations, provides access to downtown south businesses and provides access for provide access to downtown businesses and provides very little access to Duluth Ave. H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Citizens Business Group\CBG 3_Options Evaluation Comments_100512.doc Page 19 *5 homes taken *4.5M (todays cost) *No Pedestrian crossing *Undetermined wetland impact *This option is only beneficial to the developer and not the existing businesses downtown. This helps the city with a larger tax base, but opens the door to lose tax base from existing businesses that could fail based on the design with limited or no accessibility to downtown from the south. (3/4 access at Pleasant & Hwy 13). Thus, this is a fatal flaw in that the developer gains and existing fails. *Comparing Alternatives in the Bolton & Menk Study, regarding the Connectivity and Accessibility of - because it does NOT provide a reasonable connection to the south downtown area of the city. For instance, coming from the south, how do you arrive at Fongs, VFW, Ace Hardware, Viking Liquor, Integra, T-Shirts & More, Premiere Dance Academy without traveling from Anna Trail/Franklin Trail through a long connection with several turns to before arriving safely at your destination. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: *Snow: Snow and snow plowing currently have an enormous impact on Colorado St. Snow decreases parking spaces & street size. It affects the crosswalk area and street parking. During the winter, with snow and ice issues, the pedestrian crosswalk sign (located in the center of the street) must be removed off for the plows, snowstorms, and ice problems. This sign is the street until spring time. The neighboring businesses have no snow removal practices in place and thus create an enormous amount of snow that blocks the crosswalk area access and decreases the road size. The crosswalk signs are only seen when *Incremental roadway options for the future are excellent opportunities for our City, however removing the ¾ access cannot jeopardize, compromise or reduce the viability of our current businesses and resident access. Incremental options could assist everyone in adapting new development and future expansion of our city without dismissing the current opportunities available. It will only be a positive move for everyone if we can move forward along with the economy, the progress of Prior Lake and the consideration of current occur in the future and money was spent without forward thinking and minimal impact for all. I believe the 3/4 access needs to remain at pleasant and 13 as that would shut down the downtown to the south of 21 to residents in the south of town. I say concept 9 WITHOUT the road access to hwy 13 would work better, the developer saying they wont build on diggers property is holding the city hostage to do it their way, and if we go with this we say forget about connecting downtown, this would split it more!!! 3/4 is need to get to main ave. from the south!! builders will build along a roadway like concept 9 without the access as everyone will travel turning right on 21 to arcadia and right past businesses or up from Duluth turn from south, I live to south and I would turn at Duluth to get to new stores from south instead of 3/4 at Anna tr. Could a connect road be made off pleasant to south to connect to new diggers places. Also, before anything is done I believe the Duluth ave. and Hwy 13 intersection needs to be done the same time the 3/4 at pleasant and the median restrictions on 21 are put into place. p.s. still find it sad that it takes 2 months to get all info together and we need response in under 2 weeks, just not right!!! H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Citizens Business Group\CBG 3_Options Evaluation Comments_100512.doc Page 20 Here are my opinions on the current situation and the five options in front of the committee for feedback. In general: I think we all agree there are significant challenges with the existing situation at the intersections along 21 at West, at Duluth, at Arcadia now, at Main and 13. We along with the community were brought together to try and clarify what the challenges are and come up with some potential solutions. I credit the Mayor, the City Council and City Staff with trying to engage the population to address these challenges and hopefully, this approach will deliver better decisions than may have been made in the past. spent a tremendous amount of our time and resources focused on what was done wrong in the past, this was not our charter nor was it very productive but maybe we had to relive that to try and improve the outcomes this time. I believe that if we continue to make the same mistakes the few rays of potential sunshine recently added downtown will follow in the footsteps of their predecessors and succumb to the lack of people downtown. We need to address moving the lumber yard and the service and body shop out of downtown and develop a strategy to attract business appropriate for a successful downtown. Maybe the current If we do create this If We really should put the horse in front of the cart. Lastly, I think the city has the ability to have some very tough discussions with Mn/Dot and Scott County to deliver what we need for the community. lking Exceptions have been made in the past and will continue to be made in the future. To do this we just have to find the creativity to make it work for all sides. Our city Leaders need to step up a future. too. My recommendations: 1. Connect Arcadia to Pleasant now, I can see no reason why we stopped at Colorado and this will take the pressure off Duluth and Colorado and give the new intersection an opportunity to address what it was intended for. This should help St Mikes and Premier Dance and not impede their ability to continue to grow in the future. As for stop signs and speed limits, I leave that to the experts, but agree we must maintain a safe environment for all. 2. If we must close Main to through traffic put in the ¾ access at Pleasant and if and when the traffic becomes a problem we I do not think the majority of traffic for downtown compromise with the state and county. 3. The Loren Gross and Diggers properties are the best potential site for downtown growth today. future without ingress/egress challenges that exist today with those vacant properties. For those of you w potentially 60 residences within walking distance of downtown as significant. Expanding the potential size of downtown allows the community to flourish by creating the desire/demand but without taking out 20 or 30 historic homes and destroying the small town feel we are all fighting so hard for. This road could solve most of downtowns parking problems, too and no one else is offering a solution that delivers that. Lastly cleaning up the wetland should not be tolerated if it H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Citizens Business Group\CBG 3_Options Evaluation Comments_100512.doc Page 21 downtown and not the eye sore it is today. I propose we choose option 6 over 9 as we can accomplish almost the same results with some minor modifications to arcadia without taking out more homes and spending almost a million dollars more. fund the road work. I recommend we do not put the cart before the horse here, build it when we need it. We are making such great progress with Prior Lake, the Schools, better access to the metro area through attracting to live here and the money their spending on the benefits of our actions. in the way by being near sighted. We can grow without destroying who and what we are. I have worked on the corner of 21 and main for the last 18 years and have seen how that intersection performs and also the intersection of 21 and 13 perform at all hours of the day. There are times of the day when traffic is heavy and there is a backup, but then again I can go to most areas in the twin cities at certain times of the day and find the same problem. I do not feel that the traffic is keeping people from shopping at my business. I do not think the huge traffic increase that was being predicted when 21 was opened to 169 has occurred. I have seen many different proposals over the years on how to fix the problems in this area and I have yet to see one that makes me say wow that is the answer. The money has been spent and we have an intersection at 21 and Arcadia now. That was phase one of an eventual median at 21 and main. As part of that plan a 3/4 intersection was going to be installed at 13 and pleasant. I think it is important for the downtown that we follow this original plan to ensure traffic flow into downtown from all areas. I do not know if some sort of frontage road could be put in place so that 3/4 intersection could also serve the diggers property as well since the 21 and pleasant 3/4 intersection is being proposed further south on 13. I do feel that Arcadia should be completed to pleasant to make that road more functional. The way the town and its roads are layed out, there is no perfect solution and having to deal with the county and state on most issues presents an even bigger challenge. Downtown South Study Ranked Evaluation Summary & Comment As requested I'm sharing my comments on draft alternatives and recommendations with the project team for the TAC to consider. Thank you Bryan T. Nemeth and Gina Mitchell of Bolton & Menk, Inc. and committee members for your time and effort we have contributed to this study. The original contract amount was $26,240.00 ity to the study" additional $14,100.00 Total cost $40,340.00 Initially we started with fifteen different concepts and several draft alternatives. From the fifteen concepts and several draft alternatives we narrowed them down to five. After countless hours trying to weigh all the advantages and disadvantages of the five concepts I still adhere to my recommendation I originally submitted on Mon, June 25, 2012 "My Comments on Draft Alternatives and Recommendations for the TAC to consider from the initial study". If you need a copy of my Comments on Draft Alternatives and Recommendations from June 25, 2012, please let me know. Again, I submit and recommend the no-build concept design. However, despite my recommendation of the no-build concept it doesn't come without reservation. I'm deeply concerned for the safety of the pedestrians trying to cross Main Street and Co Rd 21 because of the closed median at Main Street and a future controlled signal at Arcadia. Without the speed limit reduced and enforced on Co Rd 21 we will have problems with traffic speeding through the traffic signals H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Citizens Business Group\CBG 3_Options Evaluation Comments_100512.doc Page 22 at both Hwy 13 & Co Rd 21 and Arcadia & Co Rd 21. Motorists approaching a green light at Arcadia upon seeing a green light in the distance at Hwy 13 will increase their speed in order to pass through the green or yellow light at Hwy 13, and Vice Versa. There will be little or no regard for the speed limits, stop signs or pedestrian safety at those intersections. Trying to cross the intersection at Main Street with a closed median could be utter suicide no matter what the speed limit is. Presently it is a challenge to safely cross four lanes of traffic at Main Street and Co Rd 21 with the existing 4 way stop signs. In the event that Main Street and Co Rd 21 will have a closed median before a controlled signal is installed at Arcadia and Co Rd 21, pedestrian safety would be greatly jeopardized. In any case with or without the light at Arcadia pedestrian safety will be hazardous. This is not a well thought out plan. Seems more like a last ditch effort in order to keep the traffic flowing and developing private property for a developer at the expense of the pedestrian, residents and established businesses of Prior Lake. Before we build more roads and intersections we need to start immediately addressing the congested traffic and speeding problems that exist now along Co Rd 21. Now that we have a better understanding of the States involvement and time frame completion of the Hwy 13 & Co Rd 21 intersection, possibly by the year 2030, I cannot recommend any of the other four design concepts. In today's environment of dramatic economic and social changes the 2030 time frame completion is too far in the future to assume what we build today will be workable that far in the future. We must also take into consideration there isn't any specific mention of the States involvement in any of the other five intersections, (State Highway 13 and Duluth, State Highway 13 and Pleasant Street, State Highway 13 at both Franklin Trail intersections, State Highway 13 and Dakota, and State Highway 13 at 160th Street.) All these intersections are directly or indirectly tied into any future development of Downtown South Business concept. These five intersections are all in dire need of reconstruction, especially needed right turn lanes. Taking into Consideration the time frame reconstruction of Hwy 13 & Co Rd 21 intersection any future development in the immediate Downtown South is a moot point without the states immediate involvement. I'm having a hard time justifying why a study was done in the first place if the city knew the State wasn't on board with any immediate plans for the intersections on Hwy 13 & Co Rd 21. To my knowledge from our first Citizens and Business Group (CBG) meeting, the city and county engineers stated that the State Department of Transportation has higher priorities at this time instead of addressing Congestion at County Road 21 and Highway #13 that is closely tied to backups at Main Avenue What frustrates me more is the fact that the Prior Lake City Council members on Aug. 27 approved an additional $14,100 for Bolton and Menk to complete its work on the downtown south traffic study it had already begun. The original contract amount was $26,240 the addition raises the cities fee to $40,340 Bolton and Menk, in a letter to the city dated Aug. 8, explained that the scope of the study had broadened mall area on Highway 13. A commercial plan submitted explored, said City Engineer Larry Poppler. Such a proposal also could affect homes between the south downtown area and the mall. Something wasn't adding up. I remembered getting an email from Bryan Nemeth from Bolton and Menk, about our committee meeting being canceled. The reason wasn't disclosed. I also remember being copied on an email from one of Copper Creek developers Dave Rech, questioning the delay of the meeting. From H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Citizens Business Group\CBG 3_Options Evaluation Comments_100512.doc Page 23 his perspective as the developer, Bolton and Menk had all the information they needed to finish the study. See the emails below. Subject: RE: South Downtown Study: August CBG Meeting Canceled From: Bryan Nemeth [mailto:bryanne@bolton-menk.com] Sent: Friday, August 03, 2012 10:37 AM Members of the Citizen and Business Group, The previously scheduled meeting for August 14th has been canceled. The meeting will be rescheduled for September. I will let you know the date and time when determined. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks, Bryan Subject: RE: South Downtown Study: August CBG Meeting Canceled From: "Dave Rech" <drech@coppercreekmn.com> Date: Fri, August 3, 2012 10:59 am To: "'Bryan Nemeth'" Hi Bryan Why the delay? Did we get the more detailed drawings published and do you have what you need from the delineation provided? Dave Rech End of mails. .................................................................................................................................................. From the very beginning our Downtown South Study 12-member group of residents and business members knew all the intersections that needed to be explored. Nothing changed that we were aware of. increasing the study area and adding intersections to be explored. We never got a straight forward answer for the additional $14,100.00 expenditure. In reality, you would assume the commercial developer should be responsible for the additional funding for submitting a plan adding complexity to the study. This should not be passed on as a city expense or fee and unfortunately, it was. But why? There wasn't any differentiation from the original drafts we received from the beginning we were aware of. In summary: I cannot support demolishing homes and disrupting historical neighborhoods for commercial and economic development. There is plenty of commercial property and space available in and within a few blocks of downtown. Fill the vacant properties first. Developing additional strip malls and roads hasn't worked in the past and we should have learned our lesson by now. Our city leaders need to get a grasp on reality and deal with it. They know the challenges we are facing today. Below is a list from a COMMENTARY by FRANK BOYLES, JOEL BARKER AND JIM SCHREIER in the Prior Lake American July 28, 2012. With all these challenges immediately facing us it's time to moth ball the 2030 Vision plan and focus on the 2012 Survival Plan. We are running out of time and stepping into an avalanche. Again thank you for giving me the opportunity to participate in the Citizens and Business Group (CBG). I H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Citizens Business Group\CBG 3_Options Evaluation Comments_100512.doc Page 24 enjoyed the opportunity to discuss local traffic concerns and issues with several committee members, residents and business owners. Challenges Prior Lake is facing today. 1. Housing, the city's staple of development, declined by 75 percent. 2. Commercial/ industrial development was virtually nonexistent. 3. Traffic numbers increased, but funding sources for new and reconstructed roadways dwindled. 4. Increased challenges and sensitivity to water quality in the community's 14 lakes. 5. Significant inelasticity in taxpayer willingness to support increased tax levy. 6. Increased pressure on city staff in all areas to "do more with less" while workloads per employee increased Prior Lake is primarily challenged by Traffic congestion involving four main roads. . Increase drinking-water use exceeding aquifer recharge rate. . Lakes becoming undesirable because of impaired status. . Commercial market continuing to weaken until 2016. . City tax revenue continuing to weaken because of stagnant tax base. . School counts dropping because of slower housing growth. Two more weren't on the list but are relevant problems; .Traffic noise pollution. . Odor from a compost heap. H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Citizens Business Group\CBG 3_Options Evaluation Comments_100512.doc PRIOR LAKE DOWNTOWN SOUTH STUDY APPENDIX E - CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PRESENTATION Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. T42.104814 Prior Lake Downtown South Study Page 47 Pleasant at Arcadia at DuluthPleasant Colorado at Duluth Colorado at Arcadia CH 21 at Duluth CH 21 at Arcadia CH 21 at Main Hwy 13 at CH 21 13 at PleasantHwy Anna/Franklin 13 at Hwy Hwy 13 at Duluth Academy Dance Premiere Funeral Home Sunder-Ballard Church/School St. to Vehicle Conflicts Reduces Pedestrian Vehicle Conflicts Vehicle to Reduces Alternatives Downtown to North Downtown South School/Church CH 21 to Hwy 13 and Downtown to South Village Lake South Downtown to South CH 21/ Arcadia CH 21 East on CH 21 West on Hwy 13 South on Hwy 13 North on CH 21 Signals) Hwy 13 to Districts ( Business Connects to Arcadia) Duluth Downtown ( to Create South Entry Alternatives Activities Recreational Resources for Trails, and Natural Preserves Parks, to Wetland Minimizes Impacts Impacted Structures Historic Potential Historic Structures Preserves Potential Relocation Business Relocation Residential Acquisition Partial Property Acquisition Full Property Alternatives Opportunities Provided Infrastructure Investment Limits Infrastructure millions)*(in Estimated Cost Future Today Downtown) (Beyond TTC & Prior Lake (TTC) Town Center Transitional BasisStreet Street to Parcel Basis Parcel by Alternatives Business Residential Streetscape Downtown Preserves the Access Hwy 13 CenterTown Transitional CH 21 Plan Alternatives Growth Ability to Handle Future Streetscape Preserves Downtown Plans Consistent with Adopted Investment Limits Infrastructure Lowest Estimated Cost Opportunities for Business Opens Areas Improvements Ability for Incremental Recreational Use Opens Areas for Environment Natural Reduces Impact to Environment Reduces Impact to the Built Connections /BikePedImproves Businesses Supports Existing Connectivity 13 to CH 21 Provides Hwy Connectivity Provides Duluth to Arcadia Improves Service Levels Safety Conflicts /Bike PedReduces Potential Safety Conflicts Vehicle Reduces Potential Alternatives Pleasant at Arcadia at DuluthPleasant Colorado at Duluth Colorado at Arcadia CH 21 at Duluth CH 21 at Arcadia CH 21 at Main Hwy 13 at CH 21 13 at PleasantHwy Anna/Franklin 13 at Hwy Hwy 13 at Duluth Academy Dance Premiere Funeral Home Sunder-Ballard Church/School St. to Vehicle Conflicts Reduces Pedestrian Vehicle Conflicts Vehicle to Reduces Alternatives Downtown to North Downtown South School/Church CH 21 to Hwy 13 and Downtown to South Village Lake South Downtown to South CH 21/ Arcadia CH 21 East on CH 21 West on Hwy 13 South on Hwy 13 North on CH 21 Signals) Hwy 13 to Districts ( Business Connects Duluth to Arcadia)( Downtown to Create South Entry Alternatives Activities Recreational Resources for Trails, and Natural Preserves Parks, to Wetland Minimizes Impacts Impacted Structures Historic Potential Historic Structures Preserves Potential Relocation Business Relocation Residential Acquisition Partial Property Acquisition Full Property Alternatives Opportunities Provided Infrastructure Investment Limits Infrastructure millions)*(in Estimated Cost Future Today Downtown) (Beyond TTC & Prior Lake (TTC) Town Center Transitional BasisStreet Street to Parcel Basis Parcel by Alternatives Business Residential Streetscape Downtown Preserves the Access Hwy 13 CenterTown Transitional CH 21 Plan Alternatives Growth Ability to Handle Future Streetscape Preserves Downtown Plans Consistent with Adopted Investment Limits Infrastructure Lowest Estimated Cost Opportunities for Business Opens Areas Improvements Ability for Incremental Recreational Use Opens Areas for Environment Natural Reduces Impact to Environment Reduces Impact to the Built Connections /BikePedImproves Businesses Supports Existing Connectivity 13 to CH 21 Provides Hwy Connectivity Provides Duluth to Arcadia Improves Service Levels Safety Conflicts /Bike PedReduces Potential Safety Conflicts Vehicle Reduces Potential Alternatives PRIOR LAKE DOWNTOWN SOUTH STUDY APPENDIX F - PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE SUMMARIES Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. T42.104814 Prior Lake Downtown South Study Page 48 Prior Lake Downtown South Study 0D\1HZVOHWWHURI City Initiates Road Network Study County Highway (CH) 21 splits downtown Prior Lake and makes it hard to maintain a vibrant, connected downtown. Over the past eight years, many studies have been completed on the roadways surrounding the Downtown South Area. The Study Area is bound by Duluth Avenue on the west, Highway 13 on the east and south, and Down- town Prior Lake on the north as shown on the map located on the reverse side. Many of these studies have looked into the future capacity and access changes nec- essary along CH 21 and Highway 13 to accommodate increases in traffic while also maintaining access to downtown. The changes proposed for the highways will change how traffic will access the area and will shape how the area will develop and rede- velop. The access changes proposed on CH 21 and Highway 13 will also alter how and where traffic can move into the area. Downtown South Area Study Goals The goals of this project include 1. Assemble findings and recommendations from the previously completed pro- jects, plans, and studies into one plan for the area. 2. Develop a plan for a future street network that is consistent with the CH 21 Plan, provides connectivity and facilities for motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists be- tween Downtown and other destinations, provides access to Downtown South businesses, and provides access for traffic between Duluth Street and the inter- section of CH 21 and Arcadia Street. 3. Develop a street network for the area that reduces right-of-way acquisition and way network could be completed are a.) developer driven, b.) City acquisition of property for sale, and c.) City acquisition of property and potential use of eminent domain. Ways You Can Participate in this Study 2SHQ+RXVH Open House - An open Communicate with house will be held to pre- other residents and 7XHVGD\-XQHWK sent existing and antici- businesses about Project Contacts DW&LW\+DOO pated future challenges in Study issues, alterna- The project team is the area and give partici- tives and recommen- committed to working with 'DNRWD6W6( pants an opportunity to dations interested citizens identify other issues that 7LPH30 throughout the study. Meet twice as a group Please feel welcome to are of concern to the com- and attend two contact any of the munity. following individuals if you open house 0HHWLQJ/RFDWLRQ have questions or Group Member - The City meetings comments. is seeking interested peo- Visit the study web ple to participate in the /DUU\3RSSOHU&LW\RI page to learn more 3ULRU/DNH details about the ness Group. Member re- (PDLOOSRSSOHU# study and get an sponsibilities are FLW\RISULRUODNHFRP application form for 3KRQH Represent the inter- the Citizen & ests of all property Business Group. %U\DQ1HPHWK%ROWRQ owners and busi- Applications are due 0HQN,QF nesses by May 29th. (PDLOEU\DQQH# EROWRQPHQNFRP )RUDGGLWLRQDOVWXG\LQIRUPDWLRQSOHDVHYLVLWWKHVWXG\ZHEVLWHDW 3KRQH KWWSZZZFLW\RISULRUODNHFRPVRXWKGRZQWRZQVKWPO DSS OWNTOWN OUTH TUDY Open House #1 Comments June 5, 2012: 6-8 PM Prior Lake City Hall CS OMMENTS UMMARY Joe Menning: I believe the decision to construct the signalized intersection at Arcadia is a mistake that will result in traffic problems at Arcadia and Colorado. This will be especially troublesome for cars wishing to go westbound on CR 21. I believe that is the County/City would have focused efforts on developing a reasonable solution at Duluth ssing the following: Taking out homes to push Arcadia through the Pleasant Avenue Neighborhood R Funding another major road construction project to entice businesses to our City R when so many vacancies already exist When there is little to no commitment on the business end whose benefits R would justify the cost the taxpayers will inevitably be asked to pay for. We need to see the whole plan before we can judge properly. Woody Spitzmueller: Commercial development of the Diggers property should be along Hwy 13 with access via frontage road. Developers plan is far too expensive and impacts quality in watershed. John Diers: Thank you for hosting the meeting last night. This is a controversial subject with many conflicting views and ideas. However, I believe the session gave everyone a chance to picture some of the alternatives. All of us need to approach this with an open mind, but come, as well, with a critical attitude. I spoke with Gina Mitchell, of Bolton & Menk, last night and promised I would send her my con Current Numbers: Up to date traffic data is important. One of my concerns, as you Highway 21 bypass was built on data and projections from 2005. downturn since the Great Depression and have yet to make a recovery. Economists and the Office of the State Demographer published studies that show the suburban boom of the past 25 years is coming to an end, and that people, particularly educated, affluent individuals, are moving back to cities in large numbers. Young upwardly mobile types value the amenities that an urban setting can provide. There are, also, rising energy costs. For the same reasons, older people want to shed larger homes and get closer to urban services. H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Open House\Open House #1\Comments Received\Open House #1 Comments Summary.doc Open House #1 Comments Summary Downtown South Study, Prior Lake, MN Page 2 In a report published last year the Office of the State Demographer found that in the next 10 years more people in Minnesota will turn 65 than at any time in our history and there will be as many, if not more, people over 65 than kids in our elementary schools. over, and policy makers will have to adjust to a changed economy. The strategies of the 80s and 90s no longer apply Now to some specifics: Decisions and projections should be based on a current traffic study of all vehicles and vehicle types using highway Highway 21 and adjoining streets and highways in, and passing through, Prior Lake. This should include origin and destination data. We need solid baseline numbers. Scott County may, already, have some of this. plan may be a proposals for improving pedestrian-bike access. Also important are quality of life and environmental issues (noise). Building a link between Cleary and Prior Lakes and the Minnesota River is, in my view, a complete nonstarter. Costs. All alternatives should come with cost projections I noticed that turn counts had been made at the intersection of Duluth and Pleasant. Unfortunately, the counts were made just a short time ago in the midst of the Highway 21-Arcadia rec construction is complete, and traffic returns to a normal pattern. Drivers on eastbound Highway 21 have been exiting at West and at Duluth and using Pleasant- Main to bypass the traffic backups. Similarly, drivers on Northbound Duluth have been turning on Pleasant and using Pleasant and Main to connect with eastbound 21 rather than turning on Duluth and Highway 21. Again, the problem is the traffic backup and the desire to avoid congestion. Mayoral Response to John Diers: Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I think you make a number of very good points that we need to consider. There is one statement that you make that deserves clarification. You state that traffic projections were based on projections from 2005. In fact, the traffic projects are based on full build out. Now, it is true we are growing at a slower rate so what that means is that complete build out will occur much later. You might even argue that it will never occur. But, the projected traffic data is based on build out not a rate of growth from the boom years. You know it is very important for me to ensure Council, staff, and residents always represent "facts" properly. From these we must all attempt to make the informed and good decisions for the growth of our fine city. H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Open House\Open House #1\Comments Received\Open House #1 Comments Summary.doc 3ULRU/DNH'RZQWRZQ6RXWK6WXG\ 1RYHPEHU1HZVOHWWHU 6WXG\%DFNJURXQG The proximity of the downtown area to County Highway (CH) 21 and Highway (Hwy) 13 creates the need for a well-planned network of City streets and trails to efficiently move vehicle and pedestrian traffic in and through the downtown area. Over the past eight years, there have been numerous studies that focused on the needs of the arterial roadways surrounding the Downtown South Area with limited review of the needs and pattern of the local City network of streets within that area. The City, in cooperation with the Minnesota Department of Transportation and Scott County, has undertaken a study of the roadway network in the Downtown South Area. The study area is defined as the area bound by Duluth Avenue on the West, Hwy 13 on the east and south, and Downtown Prior Lake to the north. The previous studies looked into mobility and access spacing needs of the arterial roadways to safely and efficiently accommodate traf- fic. These previously adopted plans modify how traffic accesses the Downtown area. This study considers the local internal street network alternatives for moving traffic and ability to implement any changes. Through the study, there have been a number of alternatives developed and evaluated. A technical committee and a citizen/business group committee have provided input on the development of alternatives. The study is now at a point where a preferred alternative is ready for public comment. Public comments will be used by the City to approve a plan that will guide future decisions regarding the local street system in the South Downtown area. 6KDUH<RXU7KRXJKWVRQWKH6WXG\ 6WXG\*RDOV An open house will be held to present information The goals of this project include about the alternatives studied, criteria used to 1. Assemble findings and recom- compare the alternatives, and the recommended mendations from the previously alternative (9C - see reverse side). completed projects, plans, and Two 15 minute presentations will be provided at studies into one plan for the area. 6:15 and 7:15 to share background information 2. Develop a plan for a future street and how Concept 9C compares with other con- network that is consistent with cepts studied. the CH 21 Plan, provides connec- tivity and facilities for motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists be- Open House tween Downtown and other desti- 3URMHFW&RQWDFWV nations, provides access to Tuesday, November 27th The project team is Downtown South businesses, and committed to working with at City Hall provides access for traffic be- interested citizens tween Duluth Street and the (4646 Dakota St. SE) throughout the study. intersection of CH 21 and Arcadia Please feel welcome to Time: 6 - 8 PM Street. contact any of the following individuals if you Presentations: 6:15 & 7:15 3. Develop a street network for the have questions or area that reduces right-of-way comments. acquisition and considers the &LW\·VRSWLRQVIRULPSOHPHQWDWLRQ0HHWLQJ/RFDWLRQ /DUU\3RSSOHU&LW\RI 3ULRU/DNH Three options for how the road- way network could be completed Email: lpoppler@ are a.) developer driven, b.) City cityofpriorlake.com acquisition of property for sale, Phone: (952) 447-9832 and c.) City acquisition of prop- %U\DQ1HPHWK%ROWRQ erty and potential use of eminent 0HQN,QF domain. Email: bryanne@ bolton–menk.com )RUDGGLWLRQDOVWXG\LQIRUPDWLRQSOHDVHYLVLWWKHVWXG\ZHEVLWHDW Phone: (952) 890–0509 KWWSZZZFLW\RISULRUODNHFRPVRXWKGRZQWRZQVKWPO 5HFRPPHQGHG&RQFHSW& 6WUHQJWKVRI &RQFHSW& More direct access to down- town businesses Hwy 13/Pleasant access is consis- tent with 21 Plan Connects Arcadia/ 21 to Duluth/13 (signals) Reduces traffic on Duluth near the school & church Adds pedestrian & bicycle connec- tions to Downtown Can be imple- mented incremen- tally over time Provides a plan to handle future growth Sets a plan for the future roadway connection between Anna & Pleasant when property develops or redevelops M E M O R A N D U M Date: November 27, 2012 DRAFT Includes comments received through December 4, 2012 To:City of Prior Lake From: Technical Advisory Committee (TAC): Downtown South Study Subject: Downtown South Study Draft Community Comments to Alternatives and Recommended Alternative 9C Prior Lake, MN A total of 55 people signed in for the Open House. A total of 18 people provided comments related to the material presented at the Open House on November 27, 2012. The comments and responses provided will be forwarded to the City Council for consideration when looking to approve the study and make a final recommendation on a preferred/approved option on December 10, 2012. The TAC recommended Alternative 9C but the City Council will make the final decision on the approved alternative. The approved alternative may be different than the recommended alternative and/or may include edits. The comments received are useful not only for this project but brought forth additional community concerns to the City. The recommended option is labeled as Option 9C. 9C includes a ¾ access at the intersection of Hwy 13 and Pleasant Street and includes a right-in/right-out at the intersection of Hwy 13/Anna Trail and a ¾ access at Hwy 13/Franklin Trail. The option was developed to keep the ¾ access at Pleasant Street, as that was a significant concern for the community and is consistent with previous discussions on access, with the future changes at CH 21 and Main Avenue. MnDOT has stated that only one ¾ access will be allowed between Duluth and CH 21 on Hwy 13. Additional discussions with MnDOT led to the creation of concept 9C with a northbound ¾ access at Pleasant and a southbound ¾ access at Franklin Trail. As Anna Trail is currently a right-in/right-out, option 9C maintains the existing access configuration west of Hwy 13. The recommended option can be implemented in stages as determined by the City. Option 9C sets a future roadway south of Arcadia Avenue through the wetland and connecting to Duluth Avenue at Anna Trail. It connects through future development areas so that any potential development in the area knows the future plans and the development can be accommodated consistent with the plan for the roadways. Option 9C provides a direct connection between Duluth Avenue and Arcadia Avenue and also connects the signals at Hwy 13 and at CH 21. Open House Comments: The following are the comments submitted to the City for consideration of the Downtown South roadway network alternatives. Each comment was separated out and multiple comments may be attributable to one person. Responses are provided for specific comments. 1.There is a bullet point that adds pedestrian and bicycle trail/sidewalk. Where is it? H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Open House\Open House #2\OH 2_Comments_120412.doc DRAFT Page 2 Response: All of the options show additional sidewalk and trail adjacent to the new roadway on the concept drawings. The trail is on the west side (brown) while a sidewalk is on the east side (pink). 2.Moving forward to help make Prior Lake friendly to pedestrians and bicycles. Especially young kids I see riding bikes where there are no crosswalks or sidewalks. Response: Sidewalks are provided on most city streets within the South Downtown area. The City has looked and will continue to look at adding sidewalks adjacent to City streets as approved by local residents and in recognition of costs. By state law, all intersections are considered to be crosswalks, unless prohibited by signage, even if no crosswalk is painted. Basically, pedestrians have right-of-way over all other modes. While this is the law, it is always in the best interest of the pedestrian to determine the appropriate time to make a crossing and ensure drivers see them. Crosswalks are located as needed and determined by the City. Crosswalks do not provide a pedestrian any additional protection from an oncoming vehicle as compared to an unmarked crossing. 3.The junction of Anna Trail/Duluth Avenue/Arcadia Avenue is messy. Response: The recommended option attempts to eliminate the skew with intersections that are at right angles. Skewed intersections have been shown to be safety issues with higher crash rates. The intersection could be modified to be two t-intersections or modified to include a roundabout. The option can be modified to include options at the Anna Trail/Duluth Avenue/Arcadia Avenue intersection location so that when it is being considered for construction there are options that can be further considered if desired by the Council. 4.With the opening of Arcadia you have caused a safety hazard at Premiere Dance Academy with all the dancers (young) crossing Colorado between 3 PM and 9 PM, 5 days a week. You first need to address the lighting and crossing on road for people going to Dance Studio, T-shirts & More, and Integra as it is more traveled now. Colorado by the Dance Studio, Integra needs to be addressed NOW!!! Response: The City will continue to work with Premiere Dance Academy to evaluate options along Colorado Street. With the opening of Arcadia Avenue it is recognized that patrons of Premiere Dance Academy can access Colorado Street from Arcadia Avenue, whereas it appears that previously patrons were split between Main and Duluth. This has essentially changed the pattern of traffic where fewer patrons are dropping off students on the north side of Colorado and are now dropping them off on the south side of Colorado. The City will work with Premiere Dance Academy to direct parents and patrons to drop off and pick up students on the north side of Colorado Street as this is a safer option. Currently Colorado can be accessed off of Main. When the median is closed, patrons should be directed to access Colorado from Main off of CH 21 (eastbound CH 21 traffic) or off of the ¾ access at Pleasant Street (southbound and northbound Hwy 13 and westbound CH 21 traffic). Lighting can be added to Colorado as needed and approved by the City. 5.Need to make sure ¾ access at Pleasant stays as you need to remember your businesses in South Downtown. Not allow ¾ to move to Anna Trail/Franklin and can’t let Developer dictate the roadway and business area. Response: The recommended option includes the ¾ access at Hwy 13/Pleasant Street. The alternative sets up a roadway plan that any Developer will have to conform to. 6.I support plan 9C. It looks like the group spent a lot of time looking at the many plans and came up with a good choice. H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Open House\Open House #2\OH 2_Comments_120412.doc DRAFT Page 3 7.We are buying this property and you are cutting off our access to Hwy 13. No one will rent our property. Maybe the City can buy it from us. Response: Anna Trail will remain with direct access to Hwy 13 until the roadway is developed north of Anna Trail. It was the intention of the option to eliminate the skew and provide a more direct connection between Arcadia and Hwy 13 at a mid-point between CH 21 and Duluth. With the recommended option, the businesses can be accessed from the west but not Hwy 13 directly. The option can be altered to eliminate the new roadway west of Hwy 13 across from Franklin Trail and maintain the existing access at Anna Trail if desired by the Council. 8.Closure of Anna Trail on south end. We use entrance when we bring 35’ travel trailer home. We can only come in that way to park it in our side yard. How will plows turn around? Not in a driveway. If you closed it and put a cul-de-sac in I could live with that. Close the entrance on the east side of Hwy 13 and Duluth that goes into the Village Mall. That is your big traffic flow problem. Response: The red X on the south end of Anna Trail was meant to show an access that more acts like a driveway and would be available for use by emergency vehicles, maintenance vehicles, buses, and local residents. The intention was to close it off to most traffic if possible to eliminate the conflict that occurs for the northbound left trying to turn in when there is a backup of vehicles waiting for the signal at Hwy 13. The drawing can be modified to show the access as a driveway or leave the access but install a median on Duluth to restrict the left turn movement if desired by the Council. Considerations for the east side of Duluth at Hwy 13 are included with the recommended option. 9.I am the owner and I strongly object to the portion of Concept 9C that is west of Hwy 13 across from Franklin Trail. The new road has no purpose other than providing access to the property north of the road and taking away access to my property. The new road would require development and maintenance of two roads at taxpayer expense in order to enhance the developers property over my property. Response: Anna Trail will remain with direct access to Hwy 13 until the roadway is developed north of Anna Trail. It was the intention of the option to eliminate the skew and provide a more direct connection between Arcadia and Hwy 13 at a mid-point between CH 21 and Duluth. With the recommended option, the businesses can be accessed from the west but not Hwy 13 directly. The option can be altered to eliminate the new roadway west of Hwy 13 across from Franklin Trail and maintain the existing access at Anna Trail if desired by the Council. 10.As a to be new owner no one on Anna Trail heard from anyone on this. Please let me know what happened. Response: No decision has been made by the Council on a recommended alternative. An Open House was held in June and newsletters were mailed to residents and businesses in the area at that time. As information was being developed it was added to the study website which is linked from the City of Prior Lake homepage. The Open House was advertised in the local paper and on the City website. The Council will take the recommendations from the TAC and the comments from members of the community into consideration when deciding on an approved alternative. Council is scheduled to make a decision on the approved alternative on December 10, 2012. 11.Who is paying for all of this? Response: The cost share for the proposed improvements has not been determined at this time. The improvements on CH 21 are likely to be a cost share between the City and Scott County while the improvements on Hwy 13 are likely to be a cost share between the City and MnDOT. H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Open House\Open House #2\OH 2_Comments_120412.doc DRAFT Page 4 The City is looking into how the roadway improvements could be implemented on the City streets but are likely to be City cost or a City/Developer cost share. The actual implementation and cost shares will be determined by subsequent Councils as projects are implemented. The approved option does not indicate that it will be built at all, but sets up a plan for when there is interest in building certain segments of it by a Developer or by a subsequent council, there is a plan in place of where it will be. 12.Would love to see all the comments posted on-line to make more comments on them. Response: The comments will be posted on the project website. 13.I am for Option 9C, for many reasons. 14.Change light problems at Duluth/13. Traffic backs up at my property 20-30 cars/buses. Put interest in improving flow: Arcadia east to 13, and 13 south past Duluth Ave. Response: The recommended option includes recommended improvements at Hwy 13/Duluth Avenue. MnDOT has a signal replacement project scheduled for 2015/2016. The two improvements together, along with improved signal timings, should help to alleviate some of the concerns with backups and traffic issues. 15.Some thought included a blockage on Duluth (Ex at Priorwood) which would force people to use main roads. Response: Duluth Avenue serves the local area and residents. A healthy roadway network has multiple parallel routes to not only split traffic but allow for alternate routes when one route is blocked by an incident. While Duluth Avenue does serve some “cut-through” traffic that are not local residents to Duluth Avenue, it does serve the community. Duluth Avenue is used to access St. Michaels School and Church, it is used by garbage haulers, emergency services, the post office, and other services of the community. Cutting off the connection and forcing all people to use Hwy 13 would force more traffic onto an already congested corridor. Additionally, if there is ever a major incident on Hwy 13, Duluth Avenue or a new Arcadia can serve as a detour route for local residents and emergency vehicles. 16.I wonder what the real purpose is down the road in time. Money for land developers? Response: The purpose of the study was to develop a future roadway network plan for the Downtown south area that works with the new Arcadia Avenue connection to CH 21. All property owners along a new corridor will be impacted. A preliminary funding table has been created, but will be determined when the roadway is being considered for implementation by future Councils. 17.9C is so close to existing roads. Response: The recommended option provides a new north-south roadway to alleviate/move traffic from Duluth to Arcadia. A typical grid network has roadways spaced every one to two blocks. 18.Cut off Duluth Ave between Anna Trail and Priorwood Street. Benefits: a.Cuts out 70% of traffic that only uses it for a cut-through. b.Safety c.Improves property value on Duluth, both sides Response: Duluth Avenue serves the local area and residents. A healthy roadway network has multiple parallel routes to not only split traffic but allow for alternate routes when one route is H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Open House\Open House #2\OH 2_Comments_120412.doc DRAFT Page 5 blocked by an incident. While Duluth Avenue does serve some “cut-through” traffic that are not local residents to Duluth Avenue, it does serve the community. Duluth Avenue is used to access St. Michaels School and Church, it is used by garbage haulers, emergency services, the post office, and other services of the community. Cutting off the connection and forcing all people to use Hwy 13 would force more traffic onto an already congested corridor. Additionally, if there is ever a major incident on Hwy 13, Duluth Avenue or a new Arcadia can serve as a detour route for local residents and emergency vehicles. 19.What’s the cost? You don’t pinpoint any for sure cost. Response: Construction cost estimates were provided within the evaluation matrices for all of the options. Cost estimates have been updated to include Engineering Costs. The City is also working through the approximate cost share. 20.With every plan you say it may happen. It may not with regard to how far is project going/will I be affected? Response: Future City Councils will make a decision for when certain aspects of the plan will be implemented. There is currently an agreement for some of the improvements on CH 21 and Hwy 13 with Scott County and MnDOT. A specific schedule is being determined at this time. 21.Take care of Hwy 13 and Duluth before anything! There is room/work with MnDOT and do together. 13 and 21 turn lanes? Response: The recommended option includes recommended improvements at Hwy 13/Duluth Avenue. MnDOT has a signal replacement project scheduled for 2015/2016. The two improvements together, along with improved signal timings, should help to alleviate some of the concerns with backups and traffic issues. MnDOT, Scott County, and the City have been in discussions to improve the intersection of Hwy 13/CH 21 with more lanes and a new traffic signal. No formal agreement, cost share, or schedule has been completed at this time. 22.Interesting. I’m for option 9C. Good job. 23.Instead of medians on 13, widen 13 with left and right turns. Response: Scott County, MnDOT, and the City of Prior Lake all endorsed a plan (County Highway 21 Corridor Study) in 2006 that includes the medians on CH 21 at Duluth and Main. It also included the intersection of Arcadia at CH 21 as a future signalized intersection and a ¾ access at a realigned Pleasant Street. MnDOT, Scott County, and the City have been in discussions to improve the intersection of Hwy 13/CH 21 with more lanes and a new traffic signal. No formal agreement, cost share, or schedule has been completed at this time. 24.The “New” Arcadia road is not “safe” for parking on Pleasant or for pedestrians to Church and Funeral Home. Response: The recommended option is expected to reduce traffic on Duluth Avenue and Pleasant Street in front of the Church and Funeral Home making them both “safer” roadways to cross. Traffic reduction is expected to be significant in the AM peak hour but less significant in the PM peak hour since the only way to turn left from the south downtown area to west on CH 21 will be to use Arcadia in the future as all other intersections in the area with CH 21 will have a median. 25.Omit Arcadia thru wetlands. Just open up Anna Trail/Franklin Trail access. H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Open House\Open House #2\OH 2_Comments_120412.doc DRAFT Page 6 Response: The open intersection of Franklin Trail at Hwy 13 has a long history of safety issues, including a fatal incident this past summer. MnDOT and the City have shown concern for the access as it is now. The recommended option reduces the access to eliminate the movements of high concern. Opening up Anna Trail across the Franklin Trail at Hwy 13 will likely result in more crashes and would be taking a step back in safety to when it was open across Hwy 13. 26.Red Xs more dead end roads = no, not safe in and out to find homes or sell them. Response: Some of the dead-ends in the recommended option can be removed if desired by the Council. 27.If the Prior Lake Council approves the 9C plan from the study or any other plan at their December Meeting, does that mean that they (the council) has full control over when and how the plan will be implemented without any further input from the public. Or stated another way, if a plan is approved by the council, what is the next step and will it include further public review? Response: Future Councils will have full control over when and how the plan will be implemented. Public input will be taken when a future council decides to implement the plan or portions of the plan. The plan can be modified in the future as needed but sets up a framework for what the City wants through the area. Specifics such as intersection configurations or exact roadway alignment can be changed as directed by the Council and as needed based on future considerations including grades, wetland impacts, etc. Having a plan does not indicate that the plan has to be implemented at all if it is desired by a future Council. 28.The ¾ access to Pleasant for entry into south downtown is the most important item. Response: The recommended option includes the ¾ access at a realigned Pleasant Street. This will be constructed either at the same time as or before the median closure at Main/CH 21 as agreed to by the City and Scott County. 29.Extending Arcadia south to Pleasant is second. Response: The recommended option includes the Arcadia extension to Pleasant Street. 30.Extending Arcadia via 9C is third. 31.The crosswalk on Main/21 will be important as well as lowering the speed limit across Main Response: The all-way stop currently at CH 21 and Main has a pedestrian crossing in which vehicles are required to stop. It is recognized that any at-grade pedestrian crossing of a high volume multi-lane highway is a hazard for pedestrians. The City has and will continue to evaluate options for a grade separated crossing opportunity on CH 21. The speed limit for all roadways within the state is determined by state statute or by MnDOT according to state statute. When the corridor is reconstructed there may be an opportunity for MnDOT to reevaluate the speed limit through town on CH 21 and Hwy 13 to determine to most appropriate speed limit for the roadway. 32.It appears that the ¾ access on Pleasant is a must for the downtown south to keep traffic in and out of this part of town. We still must look at the pedestrian crossing on Main Ave! Response: The recommended option includes the ¾ access at a realigned Pleasant Street. The all- way stop currently at CH 21 and Main has a pedestrian crossing in which vehicles are required to stop. It is recognized that any at-grade pedestrian crossing of a high volume multi-lane highway is a hazard for pedestrians. The City has and will continue to evaluate options for a grade separated crossing opportunity on CH 21. H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Open House\Open House #2\OH 2_Comments_120412.doc DRAFT Page 7 33.The connection between Duluth, Anna Trail and Arcadia has become quite convoluted. Might this confluence of roadways be better served by a round-about? Response: The recommended option attempts to eliminate the skew with intersections that are at right angles. Skewed intersections have been shown to be safety issues with higher crash rates. The intersection could be modified to be two t-intersections or modified to include a roundabout. The option can be modified to include options at the Anna Trail/Duluth Avenue/Arcadia Avenue intersection location so that when it is being considered for construction there are options that can be further considered if desired by the Council. 34.Duluth Avenue currently serves as a major connection between County 21 and Highway 13. If Arcadia is to become the new North/South connection, something must be done to discourage traffic from using Duluth as the way to move traffic North/South. I would recommend a full closure of Duluth at County 21 or at a point just South of St. Michaels church as part of this project. Response: Duluth Avenue serves the local area and residents. A healthy roadway network has multiple parallel routes to not only split traffic but allow for alternate routes when one route is blocked by an incident. While Duluth Avenue does serve some “cut-through” traffic that are not local residents to Duluth Avenue, it does serve the community. Duluth Avenue is used to access St. Michaels School and Church, it is used by garbage haulers, emergency services, the post office, and other services of the community. 35.The speeds currently seen on Duluth are escalating and unreasonable. Even though current city codes call for a speed of 30 MPH on unmarked streets, the average observed traffic speed on Duluth exceeds this. 30 MPH signs need to be posted and enforced increased. A double yellow line down the middle of the road does not give traffic permission to speed through a residential neighborhood. Response: The speed issues on Duluth Avenue are recognized by the City. As you state, the city codes, in addition to state statute, dictate a speed limit of 30 mph on city streets. Local law enforcement will continue to monitor but recognizes that traffic tends to speed when law enforcement is not present. 36.An incremental plan does not accomplish the goals and is disruptive to the neighborhood. In order to be most effective, the entire design should be implemented as quickly as possible in one large project. This is most likely more cost effective in the long run as costs tend to increase the longer a project is dragged out. Response: Due to financial concerns and the plan for a developer to pick up some of the cost, the plan is to do the project incrementally. 37.There is currently a business (Honest 1 Auto Care) seeking a Variance to place a business on Duluth Ave. just off of Highway 13 between the current Subway and Prior Lake State Bank. This appears to be in direct conflict with the Downtown South Study. If traffic is such a concern around the intersection of Duluth and Highway 13, why are leaders pursing a business centered around autos within one property of this intersection. At this same time, the Downtown South Study is recommending the closure of the Anna Trail access in this same area. This makes no sense that existing residential homeowners are being cut off and an auto-centered business is being added on. Response: The red X on the south end of Anna Trail was meant to show an access that more acts like a driveway and would be available for use by emergency vehicles, maintenance vehicles, buses, and local residents. The intention was to close it off to most traffic if possible to eliminate the conflict that occurs for the northbound left trying to turn in when there is a backup of vehicles H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Open House\Open House #2\OH 2_Comments_120412.doc DRAFT Page 8 waiting for the signal at Hwy 13. The drawing can be modified to show the access as a driveway or leave the access but install a median on Duluth to restrict left turn movements if desired by the Council. The recommended concept maintains the existing accesses on the east side of Duluth Avenue north of Hwy 13. Council and City staff will be made aware of the considerations and potential conflicts. 38.The widening of County 21 to support the new Arcadia avenue project has made left turns from both Duluth and Arcadia to Country 21 more difficult. This is due to the increased amount of roadway that must be crossed and poor visibility at Arcadia due to new signage and utilities placement. The median at Duluth and the installation of a light at Arcadia should be completed as soon as possible to rectify this situation and make these intersections safer. Response: The City is currently working with Scott County and MnDOT to determine a schedule for the improvements. Council Considerations for an Approved Concept The following is a list of possible changes to the recommended concept for consideration by the Council based on comments received. 1.Modify the intersection configuration at Duluth/Arcadia/Anna Trail to one of the following or provide a list of options on the approved concept. a.Keep as shown on the concept, b.Develop as two separate t-intersections, Duluth to Arcadia and Anna to Arcadia, or c.Develop as a roundabout. 2. Eliminate the new roadway west of Hwy 13 across from Franklin Trail that connects Hwy 13 to Arcadia Avenue and keep the existing access of Hwy 13 at Anna Trail where it is now. 3. Remove the red X at the south end of Anna Trail just north of Hwy 13 at Duluth Avenue and: a. Show as a driveway access or b. Leave the access but install a median on Duluth to restrict left turn movements H:\PLAK\T42104814\1_Corres\C_public involvement\Open House\Open House #2\OH 2_Comments_120412.doc