Minutes - Public Works Committee - 02/17/2009

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Randy Backous, 14148 Argon Street NW, stated that he would think people on Dysprosium would be in favor of closing 142nd. He stated that if 143rd Avenue, is hilly and dangerous, it would seem to make more sense to reduce traffic, no matter how many cars you believe move through the neighborhood. He stated that there are three issues that started this whole thing are public safety issues, which are serious. He stated that traffic counts show that 1,100 cars pass through this intersection on a daily basis. He stated that there were other counts taken that showed even higher numbers. He stated that sooner or later we need to start believing the science. He stated that our residential streets are designed for 300 cars per day. He discussed repair issues that these traffic counts generate. He stated that the likelihood of accidents is directly related to the number of cars, so there is a greatly'increased public safety issue for residents and their children that has nothing to do with letting kids play in the streets. He stated that the bus stop concerns are valid because of the cut through traffic. He stated that according to MnDot there have been 3 times as many accidents than expected at this type of intersection. He stated that he thinks it is important that we don't just talk about cut through traffic, but also about the intersection because Nick Sodergren was killed at the intersection and a father of one of his son's friends was also killed there last year. He stated that he doesn't want another family to lose a loved one while we are still debating this issue. He stated that the other issue is access to businesses and any solution must not prevent access to local businesses. He stated that any real solution must reduce volume of turning traffic, must reduce volume of cut through traffic between Dysprosium and TH 47 and must preserve access for 22,300 cars to the local businesses along TH 47. He stated that the solution recommended by staff will not address all these issues. He stated that the only solution that will address them is the closure of 142nd Avenue left of the frontage road. He stated that the only cost will be the inconvenience of traveling around the neighborhood to get to TH 47 or the businesses. He stated that it will only take about 90 seconds to travel around at 20 mph. He stated that he thinks it is premature to say that there won't be a consensus. He asked what the citizens can do to help the reroute of TH 47 move forward. Councilmember Dehen stated that Anoka cannot figure out how they want to route it where it comes to Bunker Lake Blvd. Public Works Director Olson stated that the State of Minnesota has jurisdiction ofTH 47. Leroy Stromenger, stated that he has lived here for years when Dysprosium was a dead end street. He stated that the problem was when the City came and opened it up to Nowthen. He stated that this street was intended to be a dead end. Dan Currier, 5342 142nd Lane, stated that he would welcome anybody to come live at his house and look at the traffic. He stated that he has small children and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., his kids can't ride their bikes in the street because of traffic. He stated that he thinks the closure is what they need. He stated that he knows it will inconvenience people from getting their coffee and sandwiches, but feels it will be worth it. Greg Rygg, 14279 Argon Street, stated that there was a house in the neighborhood that was condemned because it was hit by a car. He stated that the trees are an issue, but the people that Public Works Committee / February 17,2009 Page 8 of 19