Agenda Packets - 2021/07/06 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Page 2 of 5 Staff is suggesting we discuss the Boulevard thru defined lenses; Transportation, Commerce, Economic Development and as a Uniter. Transportation would include commercial, personal, mass transit traffic, pedestrian and non - motorized traffic, and safety. Commerce would focus on what is present and what is missing. To wit, restaurants, gas stations, car repair, entertainment, and the community center, are all desirable by residents and guests, but what is not here that we (council/residents) want? That leads to economic development which we spend a fair amount of time on, thus council is familiar. Lastly is the lens of being a Uniter which can be defined by activity such as shopping, entertainment (Splash Pad, Movie Theater, Community Center, activity —trail, eating (restaurants) and to some degree — living (multi -family housing). And specific to this lens, the City of Mounds View is, by far; the largest property owner on the Boulevard with multiple amenities ranging from athletic venues to parks to the Splash Pad and Community Center. We also possess the most vacant or redevelop -able land — such as "adding" to the Community Center to enhance it further in uniting us. Transportation Lens: The primary purpose of the Boulevard is to carry traffic as detailed in the process section. With the construction and opening of US 10 in 1999 traffic counts dropped on the Boulevard from 43,000 per day in 1999 to around 20,000 trips per day today. Since it was built as a major corridor from St. Paul to the Brainerd Lakes area and beyond, the two line, divided construction with full median and shoulders easily accommodates current traffic volumes. At peak, there were 43 intersections which is a lot and do/can contribute to traffic accidents. Over time, that number has reduced as well as some intersections being reconfigured to "square -up" versus the acute angle. Today, Groveland Road, Long Lake Road and County Road H2 still intersect at an angle and there are 40 intersection points. In 2019, as part of the 35W MNPASS Lane, DOT upgraded the timing of signals at all intersections which improved flow and safety.