Minutes - Public Works Committee - 03/18/2003

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Mr. Dombrowski stated that if the access were closed as recommended in the C.R. #116 corridor study thc center would be absolutely dead because people will not be able to access the facility. Principal City Engineer Olson pointed out the fact that if the access were closed the cut through traffic would be eliminated. Mr. Dombrowski agreed with that, but did not feel that the exit should be closed off completely. He suggested that the speed limit along C.R. #116 should be reduced. Councilmember Elvig stated that he was getting the opinion that the property owners don't want the access closed. Lynll Ctlrry, Sul~ Tide, replied that he was absolutely correct. Ms. Garwood explained that there is court cases that state that right in right out accesses are legitimate access. That being said the County is working on developing an access management plan and for those difficult accesses they intend on working closely with those property owners to try and address their concerns, but they do have to address the safety issues. Mr. Dombrowski stated that there are not a lot of people that will go out of their way to use the businesses. Mr. Curry stated that the Rivers Bend group has hired a design engineer group to help them come tip with some alternatives to address the problems. He pointed out that if there was a left turn lane from the south along T.H. #47 into the facility there would not be a large impact with closing of the C.R. #116 access. Scott Bailey, Manager of the Apartment Complex, stated that he is strongly opposed to the extension of the median. He explained that their apartment complex had their access taken from when T.H. #47 was rebuilt, which has impacted their availability and occupancy. Because it is important for their residents to be able to west or south from the complex. Mr. Bailey stated that he was notified last week by staff of the meeting, but he did not know if the other business owners have been notified. He questioned why they would do anything with C.R. #116 until they know what the long-range plan is. City Administrator Norman noted that the residents of the apartment complex are using the gas station property to get in and out of the complex without a proper easement. Mr. Bailey explained that the apartment complex did have access from T.H. #47 to the north and south until the median was put in along T.H. #47. The C.R. #116 access is the only ingress and egress available if they want to go west or south. He requested that they be given adequate time to look at the proposals and talk to his residents about the future proposal. City Administrator Norman noted that the decision to extend the median is not a City decision because it is a County road. Public Works Committee/March 18, 2003 Page 3 of 10