CC 02-08-1982 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

. . . Minutes of Regular Council Meeting February 8, 1982 A list of residents present at the meeting and opposed to the connection of Royal Lane to FIQral Drive was submitted to the Council (87 names) A petition (approximately 61 names) supporting the opening of an additional access/egress route via West Floral Drive was read and submitted to Council by Al Ambrose on behalf of McClung/ Briarknoll residents. Ambrose said that a fair balance of traffic flow should be created not only for present residents, but for future residents of this undeveloped area (estimated 160 more people). Ambrose said that the trsffic at Floral/Hamline and Colleen/Hamline is not really an issue, both streets can handle the traffic; the park is more than adequate to serve the entire area; suggested that the problems to be resolved are those of public safety. Ambrose noted that the dead-ending of Floral Dr. was an error in the past and an error now, if not extended; the creation of another illegal cul-de-sac (Royal Lane) compounds the error; noted there are some illegal cul-de-sacs in Arden Hills, but were allowed only because it was "impossible to do otherwise". Ambrose said the traffic problem on Hamline will not be improved whether the Royal Lane/Floral Drive connection is made or not; whatever happens, the problems on Hamline will only get worse and the City will have to face this problem. Ambrose suggested that Council build the road as recommended by the Planner, Engineer, safety officials and residents of McClung/Briarknoll subdivision noted there are 126 lots in Briarknoll/Colleen vs 26 lots in Floral Dr. and cuI's to the south. Ambrose said the safety of residents should come first; City should stop the creation of pro- blems we have in other areas. Jerry Singer, Eide Circle, said the residents of Eide Circle are also affected by the Hamline Ave. traffic problem; these residents also use the park; he sends his dog to the park as well. Singer said if he can buy the property (Royal Hills) from the developer, at a fair price, he will give it to the City for open space. In discussion, Miller noted that the Royal Hills parcel is the last to be developed; City Code legally allows the City to grant variances, the basis of which has to relate to conditions of the land and the granting thereof will not be detrimental to public welfare. Miller noted that the access problem was created by psst decisions; stubbing the road as proposed meets the subdivision regulations; developer has met this requirement; proposed exten- sion of the road grew out of discussion and was originated by the City as a concern. Engineer Christoffersen, in answer to inquiry about MnDOT's plans relative to a Hamline/Hwy. 96 semaphore, reported that a semaphore at that intersection is not in the current plans. Christoffersen noted that Hamline is a City street, ending approximately 50' north of Floral Drive intersection; noted that south of this point, Hamline is MnDOT r.o.w. Johnson said he noted a sight problem at Hamline/Indian Oaks, Hamline/Colleen and Hamline/Floral intersectione; also a problem at Nursery Hill Lane for children waiting for a bus. Johnson said his concern is for the entire Hamline Ave. area; suggested Council give serious consideration to Hamline and consider the entire area as a single packsge; sug- gested if the road is extended to Floral Dr. we also address the intersections of Floral and Hamline, 96 and Hamline semaphore etc. Woodburn said that the approach of making one contingent upon the other would be "putting off" and would preclude a solution to the road; if stubbed now, it will never be extended. Woodburn said the City is aware of the Hamline Avenue problems; Hamline is a V illage road, if improved, the cost will be assessed; noted thst in the past, the City received a large amount of strenuous objec- tions to improvement of Hamline Avenue to state-aid requirements; as an alternative, it was overlayed. It was noted that in about four years, Arden Hills will have about ~ million in state aid funds for state aid road improvement of Hamline Ave. or other Village roads designated as state aid. -3-