2026-0428 PWETC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Chair Ficek clarified that there are no direct assessments to property owners for adding a pathway or sidewalk, but noted that impacts such as placement, trees, and space can lead to pushback, especially on very local streets. He explained that residential streets often have less need for separated pedestrian infrastructure due to lower traffic. In contrast, collector roads like Lydia Avenue and County Road C2 carry higher volumes, making such infrastructure more appropriate. Members Brokaw Palalay and Fergus agreed to maintain consistency, expressing support for not adding the residential connection, given that nearby routes like Hamline Avenue and County Road C2 are expected to provide adequate pathway infrastructure. Mr. Freihammer explained that while some residential segments, like East Snelling Service Drive, were added due to high parking demand and limited walkability, that situation is unique and not comparable to most neighborhood streets. He noted that Arona Street and similar streets have lower traffic and less consistent parking issues, making a pathway harder to justify and more difficult to defend to residents, especially when nearby streets have similar conditions. Based on that, he suggested removing the segment to remain consistent with past practice and avoid unnecessary impacts. Member Luongo asked whether a separate pathway segment for Lydia Avenue was already planned, and whether that connection had been addressed previously. Mr. Freihammer confirmed that Lydia Avenue is already included as a separate pathway segment and noted that it was reviewed and retained in the plan during the previous meeting. Member Brokaw Palalay clarified that her earlier support was based on current conditions, noting that people rely on informal routes because nearby roads, such as County Road C2 and Hamline Avenue, lack safe walking infrastructure. She acknowledged, however, that with planned improvements to those routes, the need for a residential connection may be less critical. Mr. Freihammer noted that while the map shows many planned connections, relatively little has been built so far. However, Hamline Avenue is a good starting point, with future priorities including Lydia Avenue and County Road C2. He indicated the Arona segment would likely rank low and supported its removal, then introduced the next constellation link connecting County Road B2 to Acorn Park via Galtier and Matilda Streets, noting that it runs through a residential area with limited park access and minimal traffic demand. Member Luongo, speaking from personal experience living in the area, explained that she regularly walks along these streets and does not see a need Page 8 of 11