6. SR 08-13-2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Downtown Redevelopment Plan Task Force :Minutes March 5, 2007 Page 4 Member Lindberg asked how long the construction of an elevated Hwy would last. Mr. Maurer stated that he couldn't say for sure since the area is so confmed but that it would more than likely last for an entire construction season. Member Holme asked if there is enough Right of Way to elevate or lower the highway. Mr. Maurer stated "yes" especially if MnDOT eliminates several access points to allow for six lanes of traffic. Ms. Kvilvang asked what would happen to The Bank of Elk River's parking lot located on the north side of Hwy 10 if the highway was elevated or lowered. Mr. Maurer said that he believes most of the parking lot currently is built in MnDOT's Right of Way so MnDOT would probably remove the parking lot. Member Wilson inquired whether closing the Jackson Avenue/Hwy 10 intersection would make sense. Mr. Maurer explained that one of the reasons Main Street was chosen as an example is because of the super-elevated railroad tracks at that intersection. Mr. Leeseberg added that the Fire Department may have concerns with closing the Jackson intersection because of the nearby fire station. Mr. Maurer mentioned that another option would be to eliminate both Main Street and Jackson Avenue intersections and create a new one altogether. Member Lindberg stated that he prefers a Hwy 10 improvement option that would cause the least amount of buildings to be removed. Member Tveite reminded the group that the Main Street intersection is confmed by the Parrish Avenue bridge, the railroad tracks and Hwy 10 and that it is a tough intersection no matter what MnDOT decides to do with it in the future. Member Rymanowski mentioned the cost/benefit to eliminating one intersection versus elevating or lowering the highway however eliminating one intersection would cause a major land acquisition impact. Mr. Maurer concurred. Member Lieser asked if the Main Street/Hwy 10 intersection was closed, would Proctor remain open. Mr. Maurer stated that Jackson, Proctor, Upland and Joplin would remain open but MnDOT may eliminate the Waco intersection. Small Groups The Task Force broke into three small groups and discussed the following three policy questions: 1) Is it important that downtown be "seen" and/or accessed from Hwy 10? o Which option for Hwy 10 is least detrimental to downtown? · Elevated · Lowered · At grade The Task Force consensus was that leaving Hwy 10 at grade would be the least detrimental to downtown due to the importance of maintaining a sense of place and image that one is entering the downtown. The Task Force also agreed that it is important for downtown to be accessed from Hwy 10, although recognized that the downtown does not draw or depend on customer traffic from Hwy 10.