1999-04-14 CC Packet Handout - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

• Residents said they felt that crossing the highway, or using it for walking and bicycling, is too dangerous. This is particularly true for school children at Centerville Elementary School. The school is located on the highway in the downtown area. In addition, the school is one of only two or three centers of the community, and the Design Team members learned during the visit that safety for all residents was an issue. The Design Team felt that widening the highway would encourage motorists to travel even faster, thus making the situation more dangerous for residents and for school children. • Motorists traveling at higher rates of speed are unlikely to be attracted to businesses along the roadway. The community expressed a desire to revitalize its downtown area, building on its French - Canadian heritage and its small town character. This revitalization concept was reflected in several exhibits for a streetscape in the downtown area, reuse of existing buildings that represent the community's heritage and a community center plan that builds on Centerville's strengths and assets. It is unlikely that could happen if motorists on a four -lane highway are traveling so fast they are not aware of businesses in the downtown area. The Design Team thought that the County's proposal for a 120 -foot right -of -way, accommodating a four-lane highway, would likely mean the removal of several buildings, particularly in the downtown area, and would not enable the community to realize its intention to retain a small town character. It addition, it would exacerbate what the community feels is an already dangerous situation. With these concepts in mind, the Design Team proposed the following: • An urban section between Interstate 35E on the east and Mill Road on the west. Within this I -foot t -of -way, there would be a two -lane highway, a path on both sides of the road for snowmobiles, bikes and pedestrian, and a ditch. • A village center section between Mill Road and Westview Street. Within this 56 -foot right-of-way there would be a two -lane road, one parking lane, a path for bikes, and walkable sidewalks on both sides of the street. • A parkway section between Westview Street and the northern city boundary. Within this 60 -foot rid t- of -wav along Centerville Lake, there would be a two - lane road with a boulevard median, one parking lane and, close to the take, a path for bikes and pedestrians. We hope that this letter lays out the rationale for the Design Team proposals for County Road 14, Sincerely, Lucy Thompson Penelope Simison Co-leader Co- leader c: Mike Lamb