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MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />JUNE 12, 2013 <br />McDonough stressed the need for Ramsey County cities to get involved <br />and advocate for transit improvements. He explained that a transit <br />investment in the east metro will result in increased economic <br />development. He also noted that every time a transit investment is made <br />there some relief in traffic congestion on the interstates. About 1/3 of <br />transit riders are choice riders, and increasing the number of choice riders <br />relieves traffic congestion. <br />Shoreview Council Member Ady Wickstrom pointed out that most transit <br />improvements have gone to the west metro. She noted the economic <br />development that is occurring along the southwest corridor to Eden Prairie <br />in anticipation of the transit improvements. Wickstrom indicated that <br />typical bus service is not the type of transit that spurs economic <br />development as this type of service can be changed easily. It is light rail <br />(LRT) and bus rapid transit (BRT) improvements that results in economic <br />development. Wickstrom noted that the business community is in support <br />of rapid transit improvements. She also noted the future development of <br />the TCAAP site and the need for transit to that area. Wickstrom reported <br />that redeveloping the TCAAP site around cars will only increase traffic <br />congestion problems. Wickstrom asked for the Council's support of the <br />various transit projects that are currently being considered. <br />There was discussion about the North Star Commuter Rail, Rush Line, and <br />Red Rock projects, with the indication that Rush Line and Red Rock may <br />be BRT projects. <br />Jo Emerson, White Bear Lake Mayor, indicated that once a transit line has <br />been put place in other areas, feeder lines are added, and transit has taken <br />off. Emerson pointed out Ramsey County is a fully - developed county and <br />improved transit is needed so that the County can compete from an <br />economic development basis. Ramsey County is not getting its share of <br />transit dollars. Emerson indicated that in order to get these transit <br />improvements, the County has to get organized. She also noted that <br />County residents prefer to age -in- place, and transit improvements will <br />allow the elderly to stay in their homes longer. <br />Blesener asked if the various transit projects have been prioritized. <br />Wickstrom indicated that the thought is to keep moving ahead with the <br />planning for all the projects, and when the time is right one will rise to the <br />surface. McDonough agreed and pointed out that the difficulty is that <br />these projects are both data and politically driven. He stated that the <br />Gateway project has advanced the furthest and if it goes first, other <br />projects will build from it. <br />2 <br />