Agenda - Council - 10/28/2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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1. Reduced or modified access, especially for those with direct, private access to Highway 10 is a concern for some businesses. 2. Increased levels of traffic on Riverdale Drive is a concern to some residential property owners. 3. Alternatives that create multiple turning movements to access local roads from Highway 10 is a concern for some convenience retailers at key nodes (Sunfish Lake Boulevard, Ramsey Boulevard) Overall, Staff believes the stated three-phase approach is an acceptable means in addressing issues identified in the corridor. There are a number of micro -scale details within each sub -area that will need to be addressed through preliminary design to better understand the true implications to individual properties. It is important to note that the City is not selecting a preferred design for grade -separated interchanges at this time, yet acknowledging that multiple alternatives exist at each node worth exploring further. According to Mn/DOT Staff, the recommendations contained within the Study are consistent with the Metropolitan Council Transportation Policy Plan, Minnesota State Highway Investment Plan, and Mn/DOT's Enhancing Financial Effectiveness efforts. These components have appeared to be barriers to the previous planning document for Highway 10. Finally, as the City reviews the draft, Staff acknowledges there are a number of typographical and labeling amendments that will be necessary. In order for this Study to be successful, continued partnership with the City of Anoka will be a critical component. As the Study priorities indicate, the approach will be to begin to eliminate barriers that cause congestion and safety issues at the east end of the corridor, incrementally eliminating traffic signals at Fairoak Avenue and Thurston Avenue, continuing to work improvements to the west into the City of Ramsey. Additionally, there are multiple stand-alone projects and local road connections within Ramsey that could move forward simultaneously to the overall study approach. As the resolution of support outlines, there are several items that Staff feels the City and project partners should address with future phases of the Study: 1. Additional land use analysis of the area east of Tungsten Avenue, south of Highway 10 impacted by the two (2) alternatives for the Riverdale Drive extension. It will be important for residents, owners, and stakeholders of this area to quickly and expeditiously resolve to a single alternative in order for these stakeholders to make reasonable future land use decisions. 2. The preference of the full access, inverted single -point, grade -separated interchange at both Sunfish Lake Boulevard and Ramsey Boulevard at Highway 10 that maximizes safety and mobility while balancing the economic development needs of existing properties. 3. An understanding of the ultimate connection of northern frontage roads at the border of the cities of Ramsey and Anoka. 4. A joint document between the City of Ramsey, City of Anoka, and Anoka County outlining project priorities, timing, roles, responsibilities, and accountability. 5. A policy for the sale of City -owned properties previously acquired through the Right -of -Way Acquisition and Loan Fund (RALF) that will no longer be needed for roadway purposes under the previous planning documents. 6. Acknowledgement that the City is in the process of studying a grade separated pedestrian overpass adjacent to the Ramsey Station (added at Public Works Committee). Funding Source: Preparation of the resolution is being handled as part of normal Staff duties. Recommendation: