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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - NOVEMBER 9,1998 15 . amount of blacktop, however, the sod will not be much cheaper. Although there is an 18 foot median, therc will only be approximately 10 to 12 feet which will require work. Mayor Probst asked if the right-of-way allowance is being adjusted. Mr. Brown explained that Alternative D assumed the additional footage would be laken in a permanent easement rather than acquisition. The right-of-way would be 7-feet east of the proposed curb and would house the utilities and water hydrants. In the case of Alternative B, everything moves over five feet and the City may want to purchase a minimum strip of five to six feet for an easement option. Mayor Probst stated he still finds it difficult to accept Ihe cost difference. He indicated that he will lobby the Council for the boulevard design. Although it is more expensive, when considering the livable communities issue of trying to change the scale of the community and the speed oftraffic, a divided roadway makes more sense. Addilionally, the ability to attract higher- end users to the office site will be affectcd by the character of the roadway. Councilmember Malone stated that, although he would agree with Mayor Probst's suggestion, the City cannot afford the cost of Alternative B. He pointed out the entire General Fund PMP budget is being spent and the Storm Water Fund is substantially higher than previously estimated $80,000. Alternative D is already breaking the bank and, although a median would be aesthetically preferable, Ihe City cannot afford it. He suggested there may be ways to make Alternative D more attractive. . Mr. Brown pointed out an issue to consider with a median with turn lanes is the turn lanes in Alternative B are 60 feet long, tapering back to the full median. This will allow one truck or three cars in the turn lane and brings up the issue of blocking the through lane when the turn lane is full. The benefit of a center lurn lane is it allows for better traffic stacking. Councilmember Aplikowski stated she has in the past and she still disagrees with the median idea. She indicated Ihat the businesses along the road have specifically stated that a median down the center of the road will make it difficult to operate their vehicles. The area will not become residential and, even if a high-end office building goes in at the end of the road, the majority of the commercial businesses should determine what type of roadway should be built. She stated she would prefer Alternative D, especially if it could be made a little wider. Councilmember Larson stated he would also prefer Alternative D. He indicated that he has been swayed somewhat by the cost and feels there are ways to make the road more attractive by investing in landscaping. The extra cost for the median is too high and will not provide enough of a benefit. Councilmember Larson asked if the sidewalk will continue all the way to Gateway Boulevard. Mr. Brown stated it will. Councilmember Larson asked what provisions will be made for foot traffic once on Galeway Boulevard. Mr. Fritsinger explained, when looking at the remainder of the development south of Gateway Boulevard, the intent is to begin negotiations with the Railroad for acquisition of the railroad right-of-way. With the acquisition of this right-of-way a . trail could be extended along Gateway Boulevard and meet with the trail which comes out of the cul-de-sac. Eventually the trail could be run across Ihe railroad bridge into New Brighton. Councilmember Larson asked how the trail would serve the two buildings on the north side of Gateway Boulevard. Mr. Fritsinger stated, at this point, it would not serve the two buildings, pedestrian traffic would have to cross to the south side.