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Page 2 of 4 <br />improvements, trail and sidewalk improvements, pedestrian signal, signage and striping <br />modifications, and drainage and utility improvements. <br /> <br />The Applicant originally proposed two separate phases of traffic and pedestrian safety <br />improvements for Lake Valentine Road. Phase 1 safety improvements, installed in 2020, <br />included installation of a pedestrian traffic signal system, crosswalk markings, temporary <br />painted center median, curb ramps and sidewalk pedestrian routes to the front of the school. <br /> <br />The Phase 2 traffic and pedestrian safety improvements were scheduled for construction in 2021 <br />in order to allow the School District to acquire additional property from the State of Minnesota. <br />This additional property would have allowed the relocation of the west entrance to the north <br />parking lot to align with the drop-off/pick-up lot on the south side of Lake Valentine Road. <br />Additional improvements include construction of a center median at the crosswalk, <br />modifications to the south boundary of the north parking lot, and the construction of dedicated <br />right turn lanes for westbound traffic accessing the east parking lot entrance and for the <br />eastbound traffic accessing the drop-off/pick-up lot. The Applicant worked with the State of <br />Minnesota for nearly two years on purchasing property, but has been unsuccessful in obtaining <br />an easement or acquisition of land. The State indicated they were at least another year out in <br />considering the sale of this land. As a result, the Applicant believes this option is no longer <br />feasible and asked the City Council to consider a revised alignment. The City Council reviewed <br />this issue at their May 17, 2021, workshop. The Council noted the use of the State property is <br />preferred; however, they understand there is no guarantee the school district will be able to <br />purchase that land. Safety is the most important factor. In August, 2021, the City Council <br />approved an extension of the original Phase 2 construction to 2022. <br /> <br />Overview of Request <br /> <br />The proposed amendment consists of two proposed changes to the approved plan: <br />• The first is the final design of the road improvements to Lake Valentine Road. These <br />improvements include a raised center median to complement the mid-block crossing <br />and pedestrian traffic signal. The project also aligns access points and provides right <br />turn lanes and left turn lanes. <br />• The second element is the final design of the north parking lot. The revised layout <br />accommodates the revised access points, as well as changes to the number of parking <br />stalls, new surface, striping, parking lot islands and landscaping and lighting. The <br />Applicant is requesting the City Council consider the proposed amendments <br /> <br />Application Review <br /> 1. 1355.04 Procedural Requirements for Specific Applications <br />A public hearing for a PUD Amendment request is required before the request can be brought before the <br />City Council. The Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on December 8, 2021. The draft <br />minutes from the Planning Commission meeting are attached as Attachment H. <br /> <br />2. Phase II Roadway Improvements <br />In the attached narrative (Attachment B), the Applicant describes the Phase II roadway improvements. <br />These improvements are intended to expand upon pedestrian signal work completed in 2020 with a raised <br />center median. This median will provide an additional level of safety for pedestrians crossing Lake