06-07-2000 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View Planning Commission June 7, 2000 Regular Meeting Page 22 Chairperson Peterson requested clarification. Mr. Akerman stated that the intersection on Highway 10 appears to be 12 to 15 feet narrower in the center than it is on the outside on either side of the highway. He explained that vehicles traveling north or south on Highway 10 have to make a tight turn to go through the intersection, and then must adjust their vehicles to enter the proper lane. Chairperson Peterson stated that it appeared from the site plan that Edgewood Drive accesses Highway 10 at a slight angle. He suggested this portion of the Highway 10 redevelopment might involve moving those medians back. Mr. Akerman stated that a left hand turn lane should be added because there is currently a right hand turn lane or a lane that goes through and turns to the left on Edgewood Drive, and if there is traffic coming in the opposite direction, this creates somewhat of a traffic jam for vehicles attempting to go in both directions. He stated that he particularly noticed this in the mornings and evenings, when there is increased traffic in the area. He added that the road adjacent to the Theater has become somewhat of a shortcut for vehicles that drive through the neighborhoods rather that taking County Road H-2 to Highway 10. Commissioner Johnson advised that this issue could be addressed now that there is more control over the light timing. He indicated there would be a longer light timing, because one of the points that was made was that there was no way to cross the highway on one light, and representatives of the Department of Transportation literally had to run to make it halfway across the highway. He stated that he was not certain if the intersection could be widened, as this was one of the new LED lights, however, many things would now be possible. Mr. Ackerman stated that there would be more potential for an accident with this development, particularly in terms of traffic coming off of Highway 10 or from the ball field, and perhaps the developer could arrange for a turn lane with this project, to safeguard against problems in the future. Mr. Moses stated that with regard to crossing the highway, this was comparable to a problem the railroads were experiencing in that trains are deceiving and appear to be slow moving because of their large size. He explained that highways and freeways are similar in that they do not appear to be a great distance to cross until you are actually in the process, and he believed an educational process was necessary with regard to perception, such as that utilized by the railroads. James Faracy, 5298 St. Stephen Street stated that it would make more sense for the City to purchase the entire parcel because it is a piece of property that does not exist anywhere else, and he believed the City should have taken action to obtain that property. He inquired what assurances the residents on St. Stephens Street have that the developable 3.5 acres would not be developed in the future.