Minutes - Council - 02/22/2000 - Laserfiche WebLink

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connection, and noted that he was glad they held the public hearing since that was not the case. Based on his own assessment, he felt the extension to C.R #116 it would be a significant improvement to the traffic in front of their homes, but if the residents in the area don't want the extension then he will not vote in favor of it. Councilmember Hendriksen also noted that he wants the residents to be real sure that they don't want the extension because once the area gets developed there will be very little if anything that can be done to reduce the traffic within the neighborhood. Ms. Hoffman replied that most residents feel that the traffic levels have been reduced to a comfortable level and with the extension of the roadway, it will open traffic up to the development, which could create more traffic. Councilmember Hendriksen replied that there would be no destinations into the development that would attract additional destinations. During the neighborhood meeting it was determined that the additional cars that were added was a flawed analysis. The residents were only presented with the worst case scenario. Mike LaBlanc questioned what the Council would figure the general consensus of the neighborhood was. He explained that some of residents are apprehensive to talk because the meeting is live on Cable TV, but when C.R. #116 was extended, the traffic problems in their neighborhood improved, but now the City is requesting them to connect to that road and create more traffic again into their neighborhoods. Councihnember Connolly stated that she would like to see what the impact of Elk River's expansion to Armstrong Boulevard will have on the area. She explained that as traffic increases along Armstrong Boulevard, making it more difficult for residents to take a left hand turn out of the neighborhood, it will increase traffic back on 149th and 150'h. Councilmember Connolly informed the residents that they are welcome to call the Councilmembers at home to discuss the issue. Mayor Gamec noted that there will be an additional 1,800 homes being constructed in Elk River that will have an impact on those County Roads. Mr. LaBlanc replied that he is still opposed to extensions. Councihnember Hendriksen questioned how many residents were from 149th and 150th. All residents present were from 149th Avenue. Ms. Hoffman stated that she thought the property north of C.R. #116 was private property and questioned how the City can be making decisions regarding the land. Mayor Gamec replied that the City does not own the property and the plan is only a proposed plan. City Council/February 22, 2000 Page 10 of 27