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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION December 4, 201311 Community Development Director Hutmacher stated the Snelling Avenue Arterial Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route will connect the 46th Street (Blue Line) and the Snelling Avenue (Green Line) light rail stations with Rosedale Mall. Arterial BRT operates in regular traffic without dedicated lanes. Stops are more widely spaced than regular bus routes and bus stops have more amenities such as substantial shelters, ticket vending machines, radiant heat, and real-time bus information. s $25 million cost, Metro Transit has secured $15 million in funding. Pending final funding, Metro Transit plans to construct improvements in 2014 and begin operation of the Snelling Avenue Arterial BRT line in 2015. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated the Metropolitan Council has announced that it will evaluate a future extension of the Snelling Avenue BRT line from Rosedale Mall to TCAAP via Snelling and Hamline Avenues. The extension would run north on Snelling and Hamline Avenues and could serve University of Northwestern, Bethel University, the County to determine the feasibility of BRT extension to TCAAP. Community Development Director Hutmacher reported an open house to gather public feedback on the design options for the Highway 96/I-35W and County Road H/I-35W interchanges was held at the Ramsey County Public Works facility on November 19, 2013. Attendees were encouraged to view the concepts for both interchanges and ask questions of the staff present. The event was well attended with 66 members of the general public signing-in at the welcome table and more who declined to sign-in. Staff were present from Arden Hills, Ramsey County, MnDOT, and Kimley-Horn and Associates. Community Development Director Hutmacher commented a handout was given to attendees that included a general project summary and project timeline. Sixteen boards were displayed showing area constraints, concepts for both interchanges, and a basic overview of TCAAP. Eleven comments were submitted in writing at the open house. The nature of the comments consisted mostly of concerns with bicycle and pedestrian access, access to TCAAP, pros and cons of roundabouts, and the construction impacts of the interchanges. Verbal feedback was generally positive about the momentum to improve the interchanges and raised concerns similar to those submitted in writing. The concept designs are posted on the TCAAP Master Plan page of the City Community Development Director Hutmacher explained that the City Council will review the first Master Plan draft on December 16, 2013. The next TCAAP open house is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, January 22, 2014. Master Plan consultants will also ask for feedback from the JDA and the Planning Commission on January 6 and 8, 2014, respectively. The final Master Plan and the draft AUAR are both expected to be completed in spring 2014. C.Planning Commission Comments and Requests Chair Larson wished Commissioner Stodola all the best and thanked her for her years of service to the City of Arden Hills.