08-11-11 Planning Comm. Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION AUGUST 11, 2011 Pechmann noted that this will bring additional traffic into the area, and asked if that was considered in doing a traffic simulation. Rimstad reported that SHE did do a traffic simulation, incorporating the park and ride into their traffic model. The model showed there would be no negative impact to traffic in the area given the 270 cars at this site. Sicora also stated that given the loss of the Rosedale site, the process is being expedited for this site. There will be additional needs from what this site can provide, and it is felt the County Road C park and ride will also mitigate the loss of Rosedale. Knudsen pointed out the limited number of cars this site will be able to accommodate and asked how many drivers will show up and there will be no room at the park and ride. Rimstad reported that this was considered, and it is felt that drivers will then go to the County Road C site in Roseville. Rimstad also noted that some drivers will not use the park and ride service if it is not convenient for them to do so. Rimstad indicated that Metro Transit continually monitors these matters and tries to get customers to where they need to be. Knudsen pointed out that it would have been preferable for the Rice Street /Highway 36 bridge construction to be completed and in place for a period of time before the park and ride was proposed. Sicora indicated that they would plan to start construction on the park and ride in the Spring of 2012 completing most of the site infrastructure. The proposal has to he submitted to MN DOT as well. Pechmann asked future long -term plans for light rail, asking if spurs between the northeast suburbs and St. Paul and Minneapolis were planned. Rimstad was not sure if such connections were being planned, indicated that he was not familiar with light rail corridor routes. Pechmann expressed concern with pedestrian traffic back and forth between Cub and the park and ride. He indicated the plan for a pedestrian crossing at Rice Street, but pointed out that people will take the most direct route. Sicora reported that they have had a smart streets discussion and have spent a lot of time addressing safety concerns. He noted that the grade is at about 5% at the driveway access point, therefore, not conducive for a pedestrian crossing. There was also discussion about whether or not to put a sidewalk on the south side of County Road B, and the decision was to put a two -foot clear zone with pressed colored concrete in this area with rock and riprap on the other side. Sicora indicated that the goal was to deter pedestrians from crossing the street in areas where they were unprotected. -5-