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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—DECEMBER 10, 2012 2 <br /> Road E/Lexington Avenue. Regarding aesthetics, there were two preferences expressed, proper <br /> maintenance of the current corridor was important along with additional streetscape <br /> improvements. There was no sweeping consensus with the business owners, but the five-lane <br /> option was generally the best received alternative. The business owners expressed concern with <br /> the perceived risk associated with a large up-front investment for an extensive corridor <br /> improvement approach. <br /> Mr. Thomas indicated this information has been discussed by the Corridor Advisory Committee <br /> (CAC). He then presented the Council with the fourth Road Layout - Phase I Concept Plan. He <br /> indicated the improvements were intended to happen all at once. He noted the plans were <br /> adaptable and flexible. The plans would evolve into expanded improvements in an incremental <br /> manner. <br /> Mr. Thomas discussed the benefits noting the current pavement would be maintained, however it <br /> would be restriped as a five-lane roadway with a sealcoat improvement. There would be the <br /> construction of some new curb lines where additional width was required and driveways were <br /> closed. He commented there would be some right-of-way acquisition needed. <br /> Councilmember Holmes asked if the County approved of the double left turn. <br /> Mr. Thomas stated this had been approved by the County. He stated another improvement within <br /> the proposed plan was the integration of a complete pedestrian corridor along both sides of <br /> County Road E. <br /> Councilmember Holmes questioned how the bike lanes would fit into the roadway. <br /> Mr. Thomas explained the bike lane would not be official as there was not enough roadway <br /> width. He indicated this would be a great expense to add an official bike lane as additional right- <br /> of-way would need to be acquired by the City. <br /> Councilmember Holmes inquired if the center turn lane should come and go or if it should <br /> extend the entire length of County Road E. <br /> Mr. Thomas indicated there were a large number of driveways and this center turn lane would be <br /> used. He commented some access points would be closed to improve mobility, but the center turn <br /> lane would remain throughout the entire corridor. He then reviewed the access point <br /> modifications in detail with the Council. He commented that Mr. Brausen does not want to lose <br /> any access to his property. This would have to be evaluated through the feasibility study. <br /> Further discussion ensued regarding access points along the corridor. <br /> Councilmember Holmes expressed concern with the light at Connelly Avenue stating there were <br /> timing issues. <br /> Mr. Thomas noted that there would be fundamental improvements to each signal along the <br /> corridor to address timing and pedestrian needs. He then noted that four driveways at Holiday Inn <br />