CCP 07-12-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JUNE 28, 1999 l~'f'08 '".,:"~'~>' ,,:;:1 ..... ,\ ,(1-,;.,1 1,"'" Councilmember Malone stated he would prefer to look into the practicality of an intersection at 'ii.1'-~. grade. Without anything in writing, he would be reluctant to allow construction which would seriously impact the City, with only a vague promise that the situation will be fixed sometime in the future, Councilmember Aplikowski stated that this process was frustrated her too and she had been happier with the original plan approved by the City Council. With regard to the displacement of homes, she suggested that perhaps these homeowners may be impacted in the future by more noise and may be relieved that they were relocated. She indicated that she was inclined to do nothing with this intersection until the TCAAP area develops. Mayor Probst asked Mr. Tolaas what he thought would happen if the City chose to go back to the original plan with an at-grade intersection. Mr. Tolaas stated that, considering the length oftime this project has been discussed, and the strong interest the State has in a grade separation at the intersection, he was not sure how the Minnesota Department of Transportation would respond. However, it is within the rights of the City to make this request. He noted that it would be a short-term solution, which would require major alterations once the TCAAP site is available. Additionally, there may be a funding issue, as the Minnesota Department of Transportation would not support this scenario. Mayor Probst asked if the turnback money would still be available. Mr. Tolaas stated that the turnback money is available, however it would be looked at with stronger scrutiny than with previous work. Tumback funds are generally used to restore roadways and the State would be a e harsher critic of an at-grade intersection and the widening ofthe bridge at 1-35W, The Minnesota Department of Transportation is convinced that the City would be left with a level of service, which would be unacceptable to everyone. The State is anticipating a significant increase in traffic in the area and if the City of Arden Hills wants to utilize State funds, it should work with the State, Mayor Probst stated that he was not inclined to provide direction this evening, as he would prefer more time to think about the situation. He indicated that the greater harm to the residents of the Arden Manor Mobile Home Park is not coming to closure with what will happen to their homes. At this time there are six more residents who would lose their homes than with the original proposal. These residents also deserve more time to think about this prospect. He suggested that the residents contact Ramsey County if they want additional information. Councilmember Aplikowski asked, if a person traveling north on US Highway 10 had business on Highway 96 to the east, how would they access this area with the new proposal. Mr. Tolaas stated that the person would not use Highway 10. Access to Highway 96 could be made either from Lexington Avenue or I-35W, This does indicate the need for better access at I-35W and Highway 96. Councilmember Larson confirmed that all the ramps at I-35W would be metered. Mr. Tolaas stated that this was correct. Councilmember Larson stated that, if a person traveling west on . Highway 96 wanted to access northbound US Highway 10, they would be forced to utilize 1-35W and wait at a metered ramp. Mr. Tolaas stated that this was correct.