Agenda - Public Works Committee - 01/18/2022

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From: Richardx.Bailey To: Bruce Westby Cc: Ted Blaklev; Megan Blakley; angel.hughes129@gmail.com; Bertin Chabene; Richardx.Bailey Subject: Xkimo Ct Nw Noise Wall Follow up and letter Date: Friday, October 8, 2021 4:41:41 PM Attachments: RE EXTERNAL RE Project 20-117.msq Noise Wall 4.jpq Noise Wall 1.jpq Noise Wall 2.jpq Noise Wall 3.jpq Hi Bruce, Thanks again for stopping out last week to discuss the ongoing noise issues we've been experiencing and for offering to take forward a letter highlighting our concerns, to help move towards resolution. Please find this letter below. Attached you'll find the email we referred to during our discussion regarding the originally communicated noise wall length as well as photos of what was built. Please let us know if you have any questions... **************************************************************************************************************************************************** Hello, First off, thank you for taking the time to review the below concern and related requests from us, the residents of Xkimo Court Nw. The chief concern, which we have raised before, is the increased noise levels in our cul-de-sac, which directly affects the 20+ people that call Xkimo Ct Nw `home'. We first began noticing the increased traffic noise when the city approved the construction of Stoney River directly across, and elevated above, Highway 47 from us; as there exists no noise barrier on our side of 47, we feel the effects of traffic noise deflected from Stoney River directly into our neighborhood. Last year we were notified of the approved sale of the land on the west side of the cul-de-sac to a third party home builder. Since this meant the removal of what little natural noise protection [mature trees/growth] we had on those lots, we raised our concerns regarding the noise impact we anticipated and, unfortunately, have since realized. The cumulative traffic noise level is so high at times that it can be heard clearly inside homes and even requires pausing conversations when outside. Prior to the development being approved, we had inquired regarding having a noise wall included with the construction on the site, and were subsequently provided a plat drawing/photo [see attached email] which indicated a noise wall would be built and would extend for a considerable length of the property as well as mirror the size the noise wall farther north along 47. Since we were advised this was the plan, we were satisfied with the accommodations to protect the interests of our families. Unfortunately this accommodation was not followed through upon, to the detriment of our neighborhood and directly affects our quality of life. We were advised after the sale was approved, that a `mistake' was made and the drawing shared wasn't actually correct; the noise wall would not equal the length we were told it would, but instead be less than V2 as long. In addition the "noise wall" that was constructed by the builder is completely ineffective and quite frankly, unacceptable. As shown by the photographs attached, the wall was not built using the street level as the baseline, but instead followed the undulating topography of the land itself; this resulted in an inferior "noise wall" who's top, in places, is below street level and can be described, at best, as an exercise in futility and who's appearance doesn't do any favors for the aesthetics or reputation of the city. To rectify the above we respectfully request the following items be pursued by the City of Ramsey: Partner with MNDOT to determine if building an appropriate, effective noise wall would be their responsibility or the City's • If MNDOT has the responsibility, then to partner and advocate for them to seek funding to build an effective noise wall on par with the height above street level of, and extending to, the existing noise wall further north along cty 47 • If the City has the responsibility, pursue approval and prioritize allocating funding to build an effective noise wall on par with the height above street level of, and extending to, the existing noise wall further north along cty 47 Establish a noise ordinance to discourage vehicles from excessive acceleration or fake -breaking at the 47/5 intersection • Seek partnership with Ramsey PD and/or the Anoka County Sheriff, to establish a presence in the area [even if simply parking in-between calls or completing paperwork] to discourage the above behavior • Post signs on Hwy 47 to notify drivers of the noise ordinance and that it is enforced by the City of Ramsey • Provide a plan timeline, along with regular communication on progress, regarding the above to the residents of Xkimo Ct. Nw. Thank you in advance for your review and partnership on this matter that is of high importance to us; please let us know how we can support you in this pursuit.