6.9. SR 06-18-2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Summary of Focus Group Meeting - 4 - May 17,2007 Elk River Highway 169 Preliminary Design and Environmental Documentation ELK RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Members of the Elk River Chamber of Commerce met with Craig Robinson (Mn/DOT), Terry Maurer (City of Elk River), Dave Montebello (SRF Consulting Group), and Brett Danner (SRF Consulting Group) at Elk River City Hall from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. The purpose of this meeting was to proactively involve the Elk River business community in the project process. A formal presentation on the project background, issues, and alternatives was given to the group. The presentation was followed by a question and answer session. This discussion is summarized below. . The group asked a question regarding northbound TH 169 access at 193rd A venue and whether a loop would be needed at this interchange. . The group asked a question regarding right of way needs, compact ramps, and retaining walls. The project team responded that existing highway right-of-way is approximately 300 feet. However, a compact ramp may fit within the existing right-of-way footprint. Mn/DOT policy calls for right-of-way acquisition 75 feet out from the ramp centerline for drainage, access, and maintenance. . Business owners would like to see an alternative with a compact interchange at School Street with exit ramps closer to School Street. The main issue with the current alternatives is that the decision to get off at School Street must be made near Main Street. . ACTION ITEM: MnIDOT wil1100k at the weaving distance and weaving movements between Main Street and School Street. . Several attendees expressed concern over impacts to businesses, particularly small businesses and those that have been constructed recently. . There is concern over access changes, which could hurt businesses. . A participant commented that letters have been sent out to some business properties stating that Mn/DOT IState of Minnesota would be acquiring the business property within the next 5 years. Mn/DOT indicated that no such letters have sent to their knowledge, and requested that copies of these letters be provided to them so they could address this issue. No one in the group had actually seen the letters. . There is concern that completion of the TH 101 improvements to the south in Otsego will shift the traffic problems to the north, making the situation worse in Elk River. · General comments favored Alternative BC2, with the exception of a property owner that would be directly impacted by this alternative.