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5.1. SR 03-12-1996ITEM 5.1. 'ity of E River MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: Mayor and City Council Steven B. Ach, City Planner~.~ March 12, 1996 Comprehensive Transportation Plan and Transportation Element of Comprehensive Plan Issue The City Council is asked to consider the Comprehensive Transportation Plan and Transportation element of Comprehensive Plan.. Overview The Planning Commission reviewed the Transportation Plan at a February 15, 1996, public hearing meeting. At that meeting, some letters and petitions were distributed the Planning Commission regarding the Transportation Plan. All of this information is included in the Council packet. The City Engineer, Terry Maurer, will be present at Tuesday night's meeting to present the plan and provide responses to some of the issues raised at the Planning Commission public hearing. Transportation Element As part of the comprehensive plan, a Transportation element is included summarizing the entire Transportation Plan. The Council deferred action on this section of the Comprehensive Plan until the Transportation Plan was adopted. Recommendation The City Council will be asked to consider adopting the Comprehensive Transportation Plan as presented by the City Engineer or modified per the City Council's request. s :\council\tr~nsp or .doe 13065 Oron~)--Pai:k-~ay .-P.O. Box 490 · Elk River, MN 55330 · (612) 441-7420 · Fax: (612) 441-7425 SPECIAL MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PLANNING COMMISSION HELD AT ELK RIVER CITY HALL THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1996 Members Present: Members Absent: Staff Present: Chair Dillon, Commissioners Anderson, Minton, Sullivan and Thompson. Commissioner Kuester arrived at 9:00 p.m. Commissioner Tacheny Steven B. Ach, City Planner; Terry Maurer, City Engineer, Stephen Rohlf, Building and Zoning Administrator, Debbie Kleckner, Recording Secretary Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the Special Meeting of the Elk River Planning Commission was called to order at 7 p.m. by Chair Dillon. Presentation by Terry Maurer, City Engineer. The Transpodation Plan is a long range plan, which will be incorporated into the Comprehensive Plan, to handle future growth in the city. The purpose of the study is identity corridors which should be preserved for future roadways. The City of Elk River is working with Mn/Dot, Sherburne County, and surrounding county, cities and townships. The City's is actively working on a corddor study with Mn/DOT for Trunk Highway 10 and Trunk Highway 169 through the City of Elk River. Issues under consideration include: which intersections should be closed, where new intersections should be opened, where accesses to the highway should be consolidated, and where signalization is needed at intersections. Terry Humbert, District 3 Planning Engineer, has expressed Mn/DOT's full support of the City's work on the transportation plan. The City has been an active participant in Sherburne County's transportation plan. Terry Maurer submitted a letter from Dave Schwarting, Sherburne County Highway Engineer to be included in tt~e official minutes of this meeting. In formulating the Transportation Plan, staff has given their best efforts to balance the issues of residential property, larger agricultural tracts, environmentally sensitive areas and city park land in trying to choose a corridor. A two lane road is being proposed, with some widening at intersections for possible turn lanes. One exception would be roadway "E" located in the central part of the City, which is the realignment of County Road 13. This area is expected to have fairly high traffic counts and may require additional lanes. Terry explained that staff feels all of the roadway connections shown on the map, with a few exceptions, belong on the County roadway system. Following completion of the County's transportation plan, a long range plan will be considered for the County and the City to look at building these roads, as necessary, and then for the City to take back some of the County roads that are currently existing and will no longer function as a County road. An example is Meadowvale Road which in the future should be under the City's jurisdiction. Terry Maurer reviewed the roads on Figure 6 in the draft transpodation plan. Chair Dillon acknowledged the Planning Commission has been contact by the following individuals: Dave Anderson, Tom Wiley, Dick Hinkle, and Claire Olson. Chair Dillon asked that a letter was received by Barb Northway to be added to the official minutes of this public headng. Chair Dillon opened the public hearing at this time. lion Niziolek, 12275 liush Circle, read a letter from himself and Mike Niziolek, asking the Planning Commission to pay special attention to the park system in their consideration of the transportation plan. Denise Henricks, 11337 205th Avenue, felt that if the traffic lights on Highways 10 and 169 were timed as they are in Anoka,, there would not be a transportation problem in Elk River. Claire Olson, 10476 205th Avenue, stated he felt the recommendations of the Steering Committee to meet jointly with other entities on this issue were not followed. Mr. Olson referred to comments published in the Star News made by Mayor Duitsman which proposed a 4-lane east-west roadway. Mr. Olson expressed his objection to the proposed road connection which would bisect the golf course and city park. He asked who would pay for the road and who would benefit from it. He felt only developers, mining companies, truckers and outsiders passing through Elk River would benefit. Scoff Brobeck, 13822 211th Avenue, reviewed information regarding proposed average daily traffic volumes found in the transportation study. Mr. Brobeck challenged the need for the proposed road improvements and felt the study did not support a need for an east/west corridor. Chris Kreger, 11661 225th Avenue, expressed his support for the transportation plan. He stated a plan is a place to begin and that the plan must be flexible to meet the changing needs of the city. Greg Harriet, 196th Avenue, asked how much the improvements will cost, who will pay, who will benefit, how much they will benefit, and if the improvements are not made, who suffers. Michael Sulvey, 15810 228th Avenue, Big Lake Township, stated he felt the east- west corridor clearly benefits one or more companies that run the gravel mining in this area. He expressed concern for increased gravel truck traffic. He stated the people he spoke with from Big Lake Township have not heard anything about the proposed east-west corridor. He felt the mayor has a major conflict of interest since he has a son working for the gravel mining company that would benefit from the east-west roadway. Mr. Sulvey stated there is going to increased demand for gravel mining in Elk River, since other gravel pits in the area have been mined out. He felt the corridor is not needed or wanted. Ted Kolberg, 19153 Zebulon Street, expressed concern for the safety of children biking and preserving the old oak trees. He felt the road is not necessary and that the numbers don't add up to support it. Bill Zacarda, 13446 Ranch Road, read a letter from Mark Martin and asked that it be entered into the official record of the Planning Commission meeting. Mr. Zacarda stated he feels the east-west can'idor will indirectly affect the quality of life of all the residents of Elk River. He felt the taxes will increase and there will be more demand for services. Dick Hinkle, 13432 N~eadowvale Road, expressed concern for the City taking over county roads due to cost for taxpayers. He stressed the importance of government and residents showing respect for each other, as well as for property. He felt enforcement of speed limits would help control the problem with gravel trucks. He suggested that there could be an agreement with the gravel companies to only run empty gravel trucks on County Road 32, such as there was for Proctor. Mr. Hinkle stated that in approximately 1~270, MnDOT did a study to skirt Elk River which would have cut through the back of his property, where 193rd is now, along the railroad tracks and into to Big Lake. Mn/DOT backed away because of the costs and decided to stick to the present system. Mr. Hinkle also explained that the previous owners of the Woodland Trails Park land sold the property to the City below market value, with the understanding that it would be used as a park. He felt the character of the property would be ruined if a road were put through between the park and golf course. Also, he did not want to see the pond at County Road 1 and 32 destroyed. Mr. Hinkle stressed that in striving for utopia, people must show respect for each other and for the land. Mr. Hinkle concluded by saying he was proud of Elk River, the school system, and most of all, of its people. Robin Turtle, 13324 Ranch Road, submitted a petition with 3~21 signatures in opposition of the proposed east-west corridor. Arne Engstrom, 20800 Meadowvale Road, read the letter from Dave Schwarting, Sherburne County Highway Engineer, in its entirety. He asked the Planning Commission to consider the affect of the east-west corddor on the quality of life in Elk River. There being no further comments from the public, Chair Dillon closed the public heating (8:30 p.m.). Terry Maurer provided the following responses to comments and questions raised during the public hearing: What are the costs for the proposed roads.8 Since the transportation study is for "future" roads, it is difficult to estimate costs at this time. The roads may not be built for some time and costs could change considerably. Who pays?' Costs will likely be borne jointly by the City of Elk River and Sherburne County. Roads will be consolidated where possible and grants will be pursued. Who benefits from the proposed roadway system?' The entire community benefits, as well as people traveling through and shopping in Elk River. Who suffers if the roads are not built? The people in Elk River will suffer the most, padicularly those living on the roads not designed to handle additional traffic. Letter from County Hi.qhway Engineer In speaking with the County Highway Engineer, Dave Schwading, and City Administrator, Pat Klaers, it was Terry's understanding that Sherburne County is looking at a connection of County 32 with Highway 169. They do not see a need for continuation of a roadway through Big Lake Township and connecting with Highway 10 at this time. Mr. Schwading stated that he does not expect the County transpodation study fo be completed until Fall of 1996. Terry explained that when the County study is completed, the City will review their plan to determine the consistency between the two plans. Terry noted that the County's study will be much more in depth and also the data will be more recent, since the County staded their study in 1995. Mr. Schwading indicated they had hoped to have the study completed in draft form in July, but since a key person had left the firm they were working with, it would likely now be in the fall before a draft was available. Fi.qures discussed by Mr. Scott Brobeck.. Terry stated he was not able to answer Mr. Brobeck's comments about the traffic counts, as he did not have those files with him and would need to check on them. Terry noted that the reason for the increase in counts for the County Road 12 would be due to the improved access to Highway 169. Terry explained there is very little that can be done to improve the congestion on School Street and Proctor, and that this will always be one of the busiest areas in the City. Major reductions in traffic counts would be made in the Meadowvale area. The significant increase of 7,000 to 17,000 tdps in the County Road 13 area will naturally occur, since it would become a major route to get across Elk River. The Main Street and Highway 169 area will continue to be a bottlene,ck traffic problem, since it is a major commercial area. 2 Lane Road/4 Lane Road Terry stated the only area in which right-of-way of 100 feet is proposed is in the corridor into the Woodland Trails Park. Terry explained Sherburne County is planning to upgrade County Road 1 from the "Y" area at Proctor, up to the golf course. Will the City be takin.q over County roads? Terry felt he could not answer until the county study was completed. The City will be working with the County to determine if some roads may go under county jurisdiction, while others currently maintained by the County will go to the City. What can be done to miti.qate the split between the qolf course and the city park if a road ,qoes throu.qh? Terry explained that if a road is put through, there is no way to get around the fact that it will split the two areas. Design techniques would be considered to minimize the impacts such as a culvert under the road or a pedestrian bridge over it to connect the two areas. Also, a "parkway" road design will be looked at to soften the affects of the road. When will Seqment C likely be developed? The construction of this roadway will be development driven. The eastern-most section would likely not be built unless the property became available for sale. _Proiected population of 40,000 in 20 years Terry explained he felt this figure was unrealistic and that it would take significantly longer than 20 years for Elk River to ever reach this level of development. Chair Dillon expressed his feeling that the comment regarding Highway 10 was MnDOT's problem was ill-served and that the City needs to be concerned about this roadway, as it affects all its residents. Commissioner Sullivan emphasized that the Transpodation Plan is a "long range" plan and that it is not the intent the proposed roadways will be built anytime in the near future. She added that the Commissioners are sensitive to the concerns of the citizens that may be affected by the roads. COMMISSIONER SULLIVAN MOVED THE PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE TRANSPORTATION STUDY, EMPHASIZING THAT THE CITY BE SENSITIVE TO THE WOODLAND TRAILS PARK AREA AND ITS USERS, WHENEVER A ROAD IS CONSTRUCTED TO LINK COUNTY ROAD 32 WITH HIGHWAY 169. COMMISSIONER THOMPSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Steve Rohlf introduced Dana Anderson, the newly appointed Chair of the Park and Recreation Commission. Dana explained the goal of the Commission is to maintain and enhance the natural characteristics of the City of Elk River and to improve the quality of life for the residents and surrounding area. Dana Anderson reviewed the 4 major components of the Master Park Plan as follows: 1) 2) 3) 4) Inventory of existing park areas Proposed parks Trail system Community recreation fields Dana explained the greatest need at this time is for youth sports fields. He noted that the Cass property recently acquired by the City is proposed to be used for youth fields. Dana felt that the key is using the Master Park Plan as a working plan. He stated that the plan needs to be flexible and will need changing and updating as development comes. Chair Dillon opened the public hearing. Kathy Specht, 16330 Highway 10, asked who owned the property in the circles shown on the map of proposed park land/recreational fields. Steve Rohlf stated that the circle designates an area the Park and Recreation Commission sees a need for a park or athletic fields. Steve also explained that the property would not be available unless it were developed or bought by the City. There being no fudher comments from the public, Chair Dillon closed the public hearing. Commissioner Kuester commented that she felt the Park Plan was very easy to understand and user-friendly. COMMISSIONER MINTON MOVED THE PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE MASTER PARK PLAN AS PRESENTED. COMMISSIONER SULLIVAN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. There being no further business, COMMISSIONER THOMPSON MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. COMMISSIONER ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5- 0. The meeting of the Elk River Planning Commission adjourned at 9:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Debbie Kleckner Planning Secretary S.~._TATE OF MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION P.O. Box 370 3725 12th Street North St. Cloud, MN 56303 Office Telephone: (612) 255-4181 Fax: (612) 255-3257 March 5, 1996 Scott Brabec 13822 211th Ave. N.W. Elk River, MN 55330 RE: Elk River Comprehensive Transportation Plan Dear Mr. Brabec: Thank you for driving up to St. Cloud to meet with me regarding the Elk River Comprehensive Transportation Plan. This letter will serve as a summary of what I believe to have been some of the key points of our discussion. In some parts of the letter I may have added information subsequent to our conversation to help clarify my thoughts. One question I had provided feedback on was the ability of the traffic assignment model used by the city to show trip reduction on routes para/lel to the proposed east-west corridor. My understanding of the traffic forecasting model used for the Elk River study is that it was an "Ail or Nothing" assignment model. An "All or Nothing" model will assign trips to the route which has the shortest trip time, regardless of th.e, fact that the number of trips assigned to the route may eventually' exceed the route s capacity and ultimately make it a less desirable route. An alternate method would be to do a UCapacity Restrained" assignment model. A "Capacity Restrained" process is an iterative process which would adjust the travel speeds on route segments as they become congested. This process has the effect of diverting trips off of heavily used routes and on to lesser used routes. Since the model used in the study is an "All or Nothing" model, the trips being diverted to new or lesser used routes may be understated since an "All or Nothing" model focuSses on where trips want to go rather than their desire to avoid congestion. To get an understanding of how these lesser used elements of the transportation system might work, the parallel routes also have to be considered with regard to how much congestion they are 2 experiencing and the likelihood that trips would divert from these routes due to the congestion. Thus, the trip assignment numbers shown in the Elk River model must be considered with a more global view of how the transportation system in Elk River is projected to work. Another issue which we discussed was the role of Mn/DOT in providing improvements to TH 169 and TH 10. Mn/DOT is aware of projected capacity deficiencies on TH 169. Although our own projections don't show a capacity deficiency on TH 10 within a 20-year time frame, a rapid rate of development along TH I 0 could trigger capacity deficiencies. Although we recognize these potential needs for capacity improvements, it is difficult for us to predict when these improvements would be made due to uncertain funding and other needs within our District. In the short term, we are developing plans to interconnect the signals on TH · 10 and interconnect the signals on TH 169 to obtain better timing of the signals with regard to traffic flow on the trunk highways. Mn/DOT is also working with Elk River to develop plans for where future access to trunk highways should be so that we can maximize the efficiency of the trunk highway for the through traveler while at the same time proViding reasonable access for the land adjacent to the trunk highway system. Keeping traffic flowing freely on TH 10 and TH 169 will help ensure that the trips wishing to pass through Elk River will use the trunk highway system to the greatest extent possible. In summary I would like to reiterate the following points: Mn/DOT supports communities developing transportation plans and developing a system of minor arterial and collector routes to carry local traffic. Such a development helps the trunk highway system by reducing the demands of local access to the trunk highways. It also results in a better quality of life for the communities residents who have a more convenient system on which to make their intra-city trips. Mn/DOT understands and accepts that. capacity improvements may be needed at some point in time on TH 169 or TH 10. Mn/DOT does not view the east-west corridor as a replacement for improvements to TH 10 or TH 169. The determination of a local transportation corridor is the responsibility of the local community. Mn/DOT has no jurisdiction over such a decision. A local corridor decision should reflect the communities vision and values and should increase the quality of life for the community, based upon its vision and values. Scott, I hope this letter will serve to clarify Mn/DoT,s role in the determination of the east-west corridor. /f you have any addi~onal questions, please feel free to call me at (612) 654-5520. Sincerely, Terrenee il./-/umbert, P.E. Planning Engineer 3 C.' $. Povich - Baxter · D. Schwarting/D. Cote - Sherburne County Highway Department S. Ach/T. Mauer - Elk River February 15, 199~ TO: Tom Dillon, Chair Elk River Planning Commission Fax: 441.1596 FR: Barb Northway 592 Dodge Ave Elk River, MN 55330 612/241.1789 RE: WOODLAND TRAILS PARK. Dear Mr Dillon:. I was recently made aware that the Planning Commission would be reviewing plans for a possible roadway through the W hope to address the Pp--,...~ .... Oodland Trails Park It ,-..,-, ,-- - '~"'"~ ~-;omm~ssion at tonic~ ' . . ~ou~u. nave Peen my oht s meet,rig, but work has ca/led me out of the state. Please allow me to share my concerns for those plans with you and the other Planning Commission members in this letter. Elk River should be very Proud of it's development of the Woodland Trails p and every year I have used the ark · the beautiful roil/n · P. , I have noticed tre . ark. Each , r..~,-~u parking lot, f~//$ Park has no equal ° '"~ aoOUnd I am a frequent visitor of parks throughout the state of Minnesota, including the : Hennepin Country Park system. Woodland Trails has such character and drawing _. power, I know many people who choose it over mos. t other Parks in the area. ' The placement of a roadway in the park would be devastating to the park and it's users. It would disrupt the flow of the trails, Provide a substantial safety issue (how do people .safely cross a road while using a trai/) and Would destroy a beautiful WOoded green space. / u/~e you to be Protec~/ve o!our//m/te~f.~reen areas. My educatidn in recreation reminds me that parks provide humankind with immeasurable benefits, certainly not the least of which includes the opportunity to renew and escape from our stresS-filled lives. Thank you for this opportunity to address you. Sincerely, E~arb N/c~thw~ P.O. BOX ~8 · ELK RIVER, MN SS330 February 15, 1996 Pat Klaers, City Adm/nistrator City Of Elk River 13065 Orono Parkway P O Box 490 Elk River,/YIN 55330 RE: Transportation Plan. East/West Corridor Pat: On behalf of the Sherbume County Board of Commissioners, I am wr/t/ng to clar/f7 our position concerning the above. I explained to the County Board at our recommendation for addressing about the above corridor.' concerns meeting on February 13th, 1996 my In my op/nion, them is extensive 'usc[fi · ' safest possible roadwa .I. cauon to preserve ex/sd · area of the City ofE/k Y~ ~,o.? ~g~.aUon to move peoole and s-.-.-'n~-R:i.'ght'°,f'Way to al/ow for the z nm is mam/y due to the ot ' a out of the west centr number of accesses to major roads such as T.H. 10 and T.H. be provided to service this develooing area. Unless add~t~ enual for development and the 1/m/te~ provided major traffic proble ~' ' 'onal local an · serious im~,~,., ..... :-, . ~ will develop on ex/st/ roadw _~ c.o. II.e:ctor corridors are . · '""'-' ,-,~ ~ments aajacent to these c ~,~,~g _a_~s tha~ w~ll clemand eve o ...... o. Connoting Count,, Ro--' °"- ~.mo?. road to T.H. 169 is being considered in our Transportation Plan. Additional connections must be developed to T.H. I0 due to the traffic already on County Road 44. v ,,u az w~m a z-lane The data we have gathered to date does not support from T.H. 10 (Big Lake Township) the justification for designation of a direct route feasibility of this type of COnnection to T.H. 169. We will continue to include the study of the County Transportation Plan. as more dam is ana/yzed during the Course of the Sherbume The data collection phase of the'Sherburne County Transportation Plan should be completed by March of this year. There have been set backs due to key personnel leaving the consulting firm facilitating the $herbume County Transportation p/an, OSM, Inc We arecia in this effort and look forward to developing the tools we need th~'ou h ~ pte your cooperation possible decisions with the Citizens of °~- ~ ,-. - - g ' lan to make the best work closely together in this planning effort. aneraurne ~-ounty. It is essential that the City & County Sinc-'erelyI Dave Schwarting County Engineer * PHONE(612)441.1722 , FAX(612)441.2264 ELK RIVER TRANSPORTATION PLAN In the process of looking at the transportation plan for the City of Elk River, like the planning commission to pay special attention to the non-developed I would Elk River. areas of We presently are developing one of the finest natural city park systems in the state of Minnesota!! Thank you for the hard work in accomplishing this goal. along with many other residents, that any transportation plan which would I feel, this park system would be very disappointing, impact In addition to the city park system, many other non-developed pieces of property in Elk River should be looked at with preservation in mind. It would be sad if these potential open spaces in the forms of natural areas and farms were bisected by roads. I would like to end with this thought: We only know the world we experience. The youth only know the world they experience. Human experiences are molded by the environment in which they live. To conclude I would like to leave you with the words of Henry David Thoreau, "In wilderness is the preservation of the world." ./~t~~ly yours, Ron Niziolek Mike Niziolek ,F ol % Citizens Review of the Nov. 21~ 1995 MSA .Transportation study The Transportation study projected: 1. Average Daily Traffic Volumes (ADT) on roads when the city is fully developed. 2. Where road "deficiencies" might occur in the future as a fully developed city. 3. Provided ways to eliminate the "deficiencies": A. Improvements to roadways with "deficiencies". B. Adding new roadways. Critical fi_gums in study are; · Fig. #3 "Ultimate Development Volumes-No Network improvements". - · Fig. #5 "System Deficiencies". · Fig. #6 "Road Additions". · Fig. #7 "Ultimate Volumes With Network Additions". See Map with Fig. #3, #5, and #7 all together. Pg. 1 . .~chool Street · Deficiency Location: From Proctor Avenue-East to Jackson Ave. · Traffic Projections: (Based on ADT or Average Daily Traffic) .School Street from Proctor and Jackson Ave.: Ultimate volumes with no road improvements: Ultimate volumes with road additions: Net traffic reduction of 1.3%!!! 22,600 22,300 School Street from Jackson Ave. and T.H 169: Ultimate volumes with no road improvements: Ultimate volumes with road additions: Net traffic increase of 16%!!!!! 15,200 17,600 Pg.2 Deficiency Location: North from T.H. 10, through the intersection of School Street and n~rthwest along County Road 1. · Traffic Proiections: Proctor Ave. North of T.H. 10 Ultimate volumes with no road improvements: Ultimate volumes with road additions: Net traffic reduction of 9% Proctor Ave. North of School Street Ultimate volumes with no road improvements: Ultimate volumes with road additions: Net traffic increase of 4%!!!! 38,700 35,500 28,300 29,500 CR 1 North of Proctor to Industrial Park Ultimate volumes with no road improvements: Ultimate volumes with road improvements: Net traffic reduction of 9%. Pg.3 19,000 17,400 ,Upland Avenue and Meadowvale Road · Deficiency Location: From Upland Avenue north from T.H. 10 to Meadowvale road to Rail Road Tracks. · Traffic Projections: Ultimate volumes with no road improvements: 16,400 Ultimate volumes with road additions: Net Traffic reduction of 49% 11,000 · What improvements can be made to Upland Ave. to improve traffic flow??: Ref. March 1993 study pg. 30 for suggested improvements to Upland Ave. and Meadowvale road to rail road tracks which include: -Roadway widening and channelization, particularly on the approach to T.H. 10, and reduction of access points. -Introduction of cul-de-sacs along the east-west portion of Meadowvale Road. Pg. 4 i Co. RD~ la ~rom' Main Street to Tler Street: Deficiency Location: From Main Street and 169 up CR 13 to Tyler Street. · Traffic Projections. b{ain Street East of 169. Ultimate volumes with no road improvements: Ultimate volumes with road additions: Net traffic increase of 26%.,:!!:! CR13 North from Main Street 26,500 33,400 Ultimate volumes with no road improvements: Ultimate volumes with road additions: Net traffic reduction of 97% 17,700 9,000 Pg.5 · Traffic Projections: Ultimate volumes with no road improvements: Ultimate volumes with road additions: o VI! Net traffic increase of 177 'A...!!.!! 10,100 28,000 IS THIS NOW A DEFICIENT ROAD????????? Pg. 6 .CR 33 East of 169 to Anoka CR22 · ..Deficiency Location: NONE Traffic Projections' Ultimate volume with road additions: 1,300 · Are we going to spend millions of dollars for road improvements on CR 33 when future traffic volumes don't support it?? · ~A~r.e w.e. goin.g to..dest.roy the "quality of life" for people along CR Jo just to make ~t eas~er to et from Anoka Court 22 to 16997?? g ty .._ Pg. 7 SUMMARY: 1. The Nov.,~l, 1995 MSA transportation study does not support the need for the East-West Corridor" by-pass (Propc~sed road additions "A","B",and "C".) Deficiencies Summary By adding the proposed routes in fig.//6 in Nov. 21, 1995 study: * School Street (from Jackson to 169) traffic increased 16%. * Proctor Ave. North of School Street traffic increased 4%. * Main Street East of 169 traffic .increased 26%. 2. Traffic vo. lumes .increased. by 177% on CR 12 by .adding proposed roads. Is th~s road now deficmnt for futUre traffic volumes???? 3. How reliable is the data to support roads "D", "E", and "F"?????? 4. Highways 10 and 169 are State roads .... This is Mn. D.O.T's responsibility. 5. Mn. D.O.T wants external-external traffic to stay on major arterials, not be routed into the country ..... Pg. 8 11063 205th Avenue, N.W. Elk River, MN 55330 February12,1996 Planning and Zoning Committee City of Elk River Elk River, Minnesota 55330 Ladies and Gentlemen: After attending Steering Committee, Planning and Zoning, and City Council meetings on many different issues, the one that. had the most citizen input is coming down to the wire --the East-West Road. During these meetings, I did not hear one citizen of this city say we need or want this East-West Road. After listening to many different citizens give their reasons why they do not feel we need or want this East-West Road, I hope you as decision makers who represent these citizens have listened to what they have said and will make the right choice. jlm GP:261239 vi Sincerely, Mark W. Martin A Citizen of Elk River We are the citizens who are directly impacted by the "East-West corridor" route. We don't need we don't want it. We are the citizens who are directly impacted by the "East-West corridor~ route. We don't need We are the citizens who are directly impacted by the "East-West corridor" route. We don't need it we don't want it.. We are the citizens who are against the "East-West corridor" route. don't need it, we don't want it. We We are the citizens who are directly impacted by the "East-West corridor" route. We don't need it we don't t it. . :' ' '"--T'.:'" _) We are the citizens who are against the "East-West corridor" route. We don't need it, we don't want it. ..~ We are the.citizens who are against " · ' "-- ~ don't need it, we don't want it. the East-West corridor~ route. We We are the' citizens WhO are 'directly impacted by the proposed "East- West corridor" route, We don't need we don't w t it. --.~ We are the citizens who are against the "East-West corridor" route. We ' ........... don't need it,. we don'twant it. ...:..~,~,c/~' -r~-'z~-~-~~>'r/:-~- ..... . _ ~., . ' ' ~,~- . , l We are the citizens who are directly impacted by the "East-West corrid.__..~or" route. We don't need it, we don't want it. "" ':' ~.':.A ~J , ' ............... . '"':';: .::.:::::>.:.::..':T:~.:.'%::.'/'LI;lCl,r~,$S -::'"."~.h;. ', ~-..;.~-:i~:.L.-~: ~:'.. ~ "-~--,-. ~?'..- .,-_..~. · I /':%~ ~ ~ ,'./-/~-.-,. - ._ .' .... - .... ' ~-'-'~'-..,,,,~_,~ . ~l.-,'c// / ~,-~.. :z 7c ..... We are the citizens who are against the "East-West corridor" route. We ~- .............. don;t need it, we don't want it. We are the citizens who are directly impacted by the "East-West corridor" route. We don't need we are the citizens who are against the "East-West corridor" route. We ") don't need.il -we don't want it .................... We are the citizens who are directly impacted by the "East-West corridor" route. We don't need we don't want it. /! We are the citizens who are directly impacted by the "East-West corridor" route. We don't need we don't want it. We are the citizens who are against the "East-West corridor" route. We don't need it, wedon't want it. We are the citizens who are against the "East-West corridor" route. We don't need it, we don't want it. 0 we .~re the citizens who are directly impacted by the "East-West. .' .... corridor" route We don't We are the citizens who are against the "East-West corridor" route. We don't need it, we don't want it. We are the citizens who are directly impacted by the "East-West corridor" route. We don't need don' We are the citizens who are againSt tfi:~'i, East. West corridor;' route, we '-') ........... don't need it,.we don't want it. We .are the citizens who are directly impacted by the UE - ~..-. corndor" route, ~'e don't We don't want it. · :"~'~'~' ''~' '':'~ ~ · We are the citizens who are against the "East-West corridor" route. We don't need it, we don't want it. ....... We are the citizens who are directly impacted by the "East-West .co ro~ We don't need we don't want it. VIII. TRANSPORTATION PLAN A. INTRODUCTION It is assumed that automotive transportation will continue as the predominant mover of people and goods in the future. For this reason, the transportation plan focuses on ground transportation and network of streets and highways. The primary concerns of the City are: 1) to ensure proper east-west and north-south arterial corridors that tie in effectively with the existing transportation infrastructure, and 2) the orderly development of the infrastructure to ensure economic efficiency of construction and maintenance. B. GOALS AND POLICIES The following is a summary of the City's goals and objectives as they relate to transportation: GOAL: Provide and maintain adequate and efficient levels of public services within the communih/. POLICIES: · Upgrade all primary local streets to hard-surface, all-weather roads. · Require that developers provide roads to City qualifications before the City assumes ownership and maintenance. Establish a transportation system through jurisdictional cooperation to achieve an efficient long range plan. GOAL: Support a regional transportation system which offers convenient and adequate service within and through the area. POLICIES: · Provide for off-street parking within the commercial area to reduce vehicle congestion. · Implement an intersection and traffic control program through the use of signage and signals. Encourage a high level of efficiency, productivity, and quality of service in modes of transportation between Elk River, surrounding communities and the metropolitan areas. · Pravide frontage roads to reduce access points along major thoroughfares. · Provide collectors and local streets as appropriate to provide links to the existing system. · Recognize the needs of the central business district by offering flexible parking and other traffic design standards. 3. GOAL: Explore the possible need and alignment for an east-west corridor. POLICIES: Establish a joint committee with representation from the City of Elk River, Sherburne County, Big Lake Township, Anoka County, Wright County, City of Otsego and Mn/DOT and citizen representation and Park and Recreation Commission involvement in exploring the need for an east-west route. In selecting any potential corridor, the following criteria has been suggested by the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee; aa Be sensitive to existing residential developments, environmental areas, wetlands, existing public parks, and open space. bo A route should assist in alleviating anticipated traffic problems from roads that are identified as being deficient in the transportation system. Existing roadways and right of way shall be used as much as possible to minimize costs for right-of-way acquisition. d. The selected route should fit into the County's transportation plan. C. CURRENT STATUS Although no interstate freeways pass through the City, there is access to Interstate 94 appraximately seven miles south via State Highway 101. Portions of U.S. Highway 101 are currently a two lane; however, Highway 101 is scheduled for upgrade to a four lane. U.S. Highways 10 and 169 converge at Elk River and intersect with Highway 101 in a south central location of the City. Highways 10 and 169 serve as major arterials serving the City in an east-west and nodh-south alignment. (See Figure 8-A for a description of route classifications.) The existing County Highway system provides access to the Central Business District and other activity centers. County Roads 1, 12, 13, 21, 32, and 33 are considered minor aderials while others are considered collectors. Figure 8-A displays the existing transportation system. The existing network is often perceived as awkward and insufficient with respect to traffic movement across the City. The primary concern is with the lack of east-west corridors and a lack of strategic north-south corridors. Furthermore, as development continues along Highways 169 and 10, additional traffic will create unacceptable levels; necessitating various road improvements. D. LONG RANGE PLAN The draft Transportation Plan calls for an integrated network of major and minor arterials, collectors and local streets to serve the City. The City recognizes a need for an east-west corridor to better serve projected traffic volumes. Since the major and minor arterials are currently in place, the transportation plan focuses on necessary collector links to tie the existing system together. Other considerations of the transportation plan include local streets, a parking system, frontage roads, public transportation, and park and ride facilities. 1. Collector Links The transportation plan considers the addition of collector links (see Figure 8-B for corresponding lettersl: C. D. E. F. G. H. I. 221st Avenue between County Road 32 (Meadowvale Road) and County Road 1 (Elk Lake Road 221st Avenue between U.S. Highway 169 and County Road 21 (Brook Road) 205th Avenue between County Road 33 and County Road 13 (Twin Lakes Road) 201st Avenue between County Road 1 (Elk Lake Road) and U.S. Highway 169 193rd Avenue between U.S. Highway 169 and County Road 13 (Tyler Street). Zebulon Street between U.S. Highway 10 and County Road 35. Frontage road between Zebulon alignment and Joplin St. Fillmore Street between 175th Avenue and 165th Avenue Connection parallel to the east side of Highway 169 between 197th Avenue and 193rd Avenue. 2. Local Streets The local street system is deployed within the grid of collectors and arteries. The intent of this plan is to ensure a complete and interconnected street system. All plats will display the location of streets that connect with existing or proposed streets adjacent to the subject property. 3. Parkway System Trails The City desires to provide an interconnected parkway system including a trail system for non- motorized transportation. Portions of the trail system will be incorporated into the existing and proposed corridor system comprised of off-street surfaces. 4. Frontage Roads The plan calls for frontage roads and limited access along U.S. Highways 10 and 169. The purpose of this transportation plan element is to enhance traffic safety along the City's ma]or thoroughfares. 5. PubliC Transport Although public transit is not provided by the City or other transit companies, there is a perceived need for such services. The City encourages private transit companies to provide necessary intra- and inter- urban services. Connections are necessary to major local and metropolitan activity centers for shopping, employment, transpodation. Specifically, there is a perceived need for services to airports. As the population of the community ages, local transit needs to community facilities and other services will become an issue. 6. Park and Ride Facilities The City recognizes the need for park and ride facilities due to a substantial resident population commuting to a workplace in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The impending population growth will require the development of additional facilities strategically located within the City. E. NECESSARY ACTIONS 1. Designate proposed roadways on the City's transportation plan. 2. Coordinate efforts with Sherburne County and Minnesota Department of Transportation. 3. Establish budget for acquisition and improvement of collector streets. 4. Include corridors in the City's capital improvement program and modify the municipal aid system in accordance with transportation system. 5. Require appropriate land dedications or improvements as surrounding properties are developed. 6. Amend subdivision regulations to require urban street design. 7. Complete Minnesota Department of Transpodation corridor study for U.S. Highways 169 and 10. 8. Adopt a long range Transpodation Plan consistent with goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan. J --+ U , +-+- FIGURE 8-A ROADWAY CLASSIFICATION City o~ Elk ~i~iver Ned Nov 15 08:40:23 ~g95 l_ ! ! ! l! l! !!! !! ! !!!!!!!! l! Ill l~ FIGURE 8-B PROPOSED COLLECTOR LINKS ,i ..... Propo~d Tran~oort~tion I..i~, ~ 1~ City o~~ [ I 1% lllll I Ii I