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7. NE Suburban Campus Connector (NESCC) Trail Project <br />Ms. Bloom provided background information and an update on this project <br />proposed for construction in the summer of 2010; previous delay of the project <br />due to right-of--way issues; pending agreement with Macy's for additional <br />easement, as well as the Minnesota Historical Society in the area of Gibbs Farm. <br />Ms. Bloom addressed concerns raised by residents to staff related to parking, <br />Falcon Heights farm fields; transitions based on MnDOT Pathway Manual <br />designations; and continued cooperative discussions with the University of MN <br />for Gortner Avenue. <br />Discussion included the advantages, disadvantages, and realities of speed <br />restrictions along Fairview Avenue; safety concerns in the area; speed limits set <br />by the State Commissioner of Transportation based on considerable criteria and <br />based on land use and speed studies; recognizing that reporting speed limits didn't <br />change human behavior; and lack of interest by property owners in parking bays, <br />in addition to plowing challenges. <br />Ms. Bloom advised that she would further research speeds on roadways with <br />adjacent bike lanes; and whether a crosswalk was indicated at the signal of <br />Perimeter Drive north of the Highway 36 frontage road/ramps. <br />Further discussion included intent to replace all pedestrian crosswalks and signals <br />with timed crossing indicators; installation of benches and trees; review of <br />whether the signal would be replaced at B-2; current existence of five (5) different <br />types of signals along the project area; safety issues along the project area for <br />bicyclists and pedestrians; and possible advanced technological signage to alert <br />vehicles of that traffic. <br />Mr. Schwartz advised that the plans would undergo review by MnDOT and <br />Transit for Livable Communities to receive input on how to improve safety. Mr. <br />Schwartz advised that he would review the project with the City Attorney as it <br />related to MN crosswalk laws. <br />Ms. Bloom advised that, ultimately the roadways were under the jurisdiction of <br />MnDOT and Ramsey County; however, staff offered to provide suggestions of <br />members for their review and consideration. <br />Additional discussion included existing drainage requirements and structures, and <br />those proposed for installation based on informational meetings with neighbors <br />and capacity issues. <br />Additional Announcement <br />Ms. Bloom announced that the City had received Community Development Block <br />Grant (CDBG) grant funds for sidewalk installation as part of the Sienna Green <br />Apartments (former Har Mar Apartments) in the southwest quadrant of Highway <br />36 and Snelling Avenue. <br />Page 6 of 8 <br />