02-22-11- J, WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—FEBRUARY 22, 2011 3 • Benches and trash receptacles; • A pair of new continuous concrete sidewalks (6 feet wide) with connections to adjacent businesses; • Bollards; • Annual flowers (in beds or raised planters); • Seasonal banners on the light poles; • Striped or colored pedestrian crossings; • Bus waiting shelters; • Relocating the electrical boxes to a less visible location or screening where feasible; and/or • Underground utility repair/replacement(water, sewer, storm water). Signalized Intersection Between Pine Tree Drive and Lexington Avenue - According to the traffic study prepared for the Guiding Plan, the roadways and intersections within the B2 District currently operate acceptably at Level of Service (LOS) D or better and will continue to operate at that level through 2030 when redevelopment is expected to be completed. Current options for a new signalized intersection are as follows: • Continue to implement the existing plan for a new signalized intersection between Pine Tree Drive and Lexington Avenue. Take advantage of opportunities to acquire right-of-way as they occur. • Evaluate other options for realigning driveways and traffic movements along County Road E. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that Staff recommends proceeding with planning and design work for the streetscape improvements in 2011 based on the following: • The B2 Guiding Plan was approved in 2008 and it's important to continue to demonstrate the City's commitment to the improvement of the B2 District. • If the City does not demonstrate its willingness to invest in the B2 District, it will become increasingly difficult to ask that private property owners make private investments to comply with the B2 design standards. • During discussions with MnDOT and Ramsey County regarding the design of the Highway 51 Bridge, it will be advantageous to have an approved streetscape plan showing sidewalks and pedestrian improvements on both sides of County Road E. • As redevelopment occurs, Staff needs to communicate to property owners how much right-of-way is required. In order to do so, the City needs a back-of-curb streetscape plan. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that Staff would like to discuss the following questions: • Should the City continue working toward the development of a new signalized intersection between Pine Tree Drive and Lexington Avenue? Should Staff consider other options to realign driveways and traffic movements along County Road E? • Should Staff move forward with planning and design of streetscape improvements along County Road E?