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. . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER 11, 2000 14 Mr. Brown presented the Hamline Avenue closure considerations as being; to keep Hamline A venue open and reconstruct, or the permanent closure of Hamline Avenue, He also reviewed considerations with the permanent closure option as being impacts to the cost, water quality and control, and traffic. lt was noted that the area could be used for ponds, bike paths, pedestrian paths, or landscaping. Staff recommends the permanent closure of Hamline Avenue between Ingerson and Tiller Lane, a pedestrianJbike trail would be installed to accommodate that type of traffic plus appropriate landscaping, Mr. Brown stated that a traffic study was completed during which Hamline Avenue was closed for a couple of weeks to determine the impact of this project. He stated that the result of this study was that there would be a significant increase in traffic on Dunlap, from 100 cars per day to approximately 300 cars per day, and an additional 100 cars per day on Ingerson Avenue, He noted, however, any volume up to 500 cars per day on a local street was typical. Mr. Brown stated that the reconstruction of Hamline Avenue would be very expensive since it runs through a wetland and would require a great deal of sub-base work. He indicated that Hamline A venue was one of the worst streets in the City and certainly the worst street in this neighborhood, Mr. Brown stated the Task Force was split in making their recommendation on this issue but clearly wants appropriate landscaping if closure ofthe road takes place, An audience membcr asked if the cost to reconstruct Hamline Avenue would be borne solely by the City, Mr. Brown stated that this was essentially correct, He indicated that there was a portion of one undeveloped property along this section of Hamline Avenue that could be assessed, however, this lot has access to Ingerson A venue, An audience member expressed concern that closing Hamline Avenue and constructing a pond could be a safety concern, Mr. Brown stated that any pond that would be constructed would not be a large body of water. An audience member asked who owns the channel that runs through Snelling Avenue, Mr, Brown stated that this channel was owned by a private party, An audience member asked who would maintain the proposed pond ifthe roadway was closed, Mr. Brown stated that the city would maintain this area, Ms. Swanson pointed out that there would be City maintenance associated with any ofthe proposed improvements, Mr. Brown stated that the intent of closing off Hamline Avenue and providing the proposed amenities was to create a park-like setting and make the neighborhood more livable, An audience member stated that at this time the local children play in the roads, He stated that if Hamline Avenue is closed and additional traffic is added to the streets, this will not create a more livable neighborhood, Mr. Brown noted that the increased traffic would amount to approximately five to 10 additional cars per hour and he did not feel that this was excessive,