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The median strip, one of the five points presented at <br />the last meeting either to be removed or modified, <br />provides a protective left turn lane for motorists, <br />and it has been shown that the number of accidents <br />are actually reduced as well as the severity of the <br />accidents. Until recently, plans were proposed to <br />modify the median and make it less abrupt into the <br />flow of traffic, but studies have indicated that motorists <br />tolerate the median. Mr. Anklan also ext~lained that <br />the County was unable to acquire more right of way on <br />Larpenteur Avenue at the time of the TOPICS Program <br />which would have enabled the County to provide another <br />traffic lane. <br />If the.City were to proceed with plans for a proposed <br />ten foot parking lane, Mr. Anklan indicated it <br />might be possible the Ramsey County Board of <br />Commissioners would allocate 25~ of the cost, but <br />the remaining 75~ would have to be picked up by <br />the City of Falcon Heights, either through assessment <br />or tax levy. <br />If Larpenteur Avenue were designated as a Municipal <br />State Aid Street, the City would still be limited <br />as to what improvements could be made under restrictions <br />imposed by the federal government. The Engineers <br />reccamnendation on action of thiB type, was that money <br />used for a project would be deducted from the total <br />amount now in escrow in MSA funds and would be of <br />very limited benefit to the entire City. <br />Of the five points presented at the last meeting, <br />leav~:ng Larpenteur Avenue as it is at the present time <br />would be the most feasible and economical, widening <br />of the street, and providing a parking lane would have <br />to be assessed and the residents stated that they <br />are definitely against being assessed, modifying the <br />median strip is a possibility but further s~iudies <br />would have to be conducted, parking in the alley is <br />impractical according to the citizens, and the <br />County would not allow parking on Larpenteur Avenue <br />even during limited periods of time. <br />The Council requested that Mr. Anklan obtain a cost <br />estimate of removing or modifying the median strip <br />to be presented at a future Council meeting. No <br />further action was taken. <br />Councilman Steele inquired if it would be feasible to TRAFFIC SIGNAL - <br />obtain a traffic signal:on the corner of Snelling and SNELLING AND ROSELAWN <br />Roselawn Avenues, to allow for easier access to the <br />ne+w community park be residents living east of Snelling. <br />Mr. Anklan replied that even if a traffic signal were <br />approved and ordered that it would take fifteen to <br />eighteen months before parts would be available, but <br />that the County and State would not deem it advisable as <br />it is so close to the intersection of Larpenteur and <br />Snelling. He did state that an overhead walkway could <br />be considered but would be expensive and that fencing <br />would have to be installed to encourage use of the <br />walkway. <br />~~~ <br />