03/16/1989 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Park Noter A newsletter of the Friends of St. Paul and Ramsey County Parks 1621 Beechwood Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota 55116 698-4.543 Volume 3, Number 1 February, 1989 Burlington Northern , The proposed Burlington Northern recreational trail, a six mile abandoned railroad right -of way passing through "Swede Hollow" connecting downtown Saint Paul and the river wig Corridor Issue Remains an extensive trail system heading both North and East remains an unresolved controversy. Unresolved During the hotand dusty summerof'88 the potential availability of the abandoned Burlingtor Background: line as a recreational trail stired considerable enthusiasm among park and trail users. The corridor seemed such a natural that state, county, and city trail planners all assumed it would eventually become "the missing link" in the St. Paul -Ramsey County trail system. Since nc money was budgeted for purchase, plans remained largely just that ... plans. Although there was some sense of urgency, that sense of urgency turned into frantic action when the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDO'I) began filling an area to build a land ridge through the corridor rather than construct abridge over the area. MNDOT considered the land bridge to be an economical alternative because of lower construction and mainte- nance costs. I supporters including the City of St. Paul Parks Division called foul. They clain roper procedures were used by MNDOT in deciding to fill the area and insisted nped trailway MNDOT intended to leave through the area was inadequate and unaesthi dangerous. MNDOT agreed to alter their design, provided St. Paul picked up the tab, l ion dollars. Elected Officials Join the Bruce Vento, long a trail advocate, entered the debate with additional information: since ti highway project is 90% federally funded and Federal- Aid Highway funds can be used for Fray viable recreational corridor, MNDOT could seek federal funding for the project rather iha utilize scarce St. Paul parks funds. , Representative Phyllis Kahn addressed Transportation Commissioner Len Levine, nding $1.07 (million) from the city and not taking advantage of available fel mrsement programs, it gives the appearance that MNDOT is purposefully or thri ,ntion thwarting the intent of both the federal highway program and the Minnesota lature. It is important for you to pursue acceptable alternatives both to facilitate this le link and to avoid, the appearance of foot dragging and obstructionism...." PARK NOTES goes to press there has been no indication that MNDOT intends to po leral funds. If those funds are not received, only the State Legislature can spare St. idents the financial burden. Walkways to get Fresh Sidewalk, bikeway, path, greenway, linear parks, ...shopping mall? Walkways are among Look subtle amenities of the Metro area which often escape notice, except when not props lighted, obscured with unsightly litter, or left unshoveled. Craig Evens, President of