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", "V"-'.;. ,"(' 5. EDC claims surrounding communities, primarily Dayton, are undecided.' Actually, Dayton has withdrawn its support for the east location because so many citizens oppose it. 6. If the west alignment is selected, the surrounding land will be zoned commercial not residential as suggested by EDC. The west location has significant commercial development potential, which is not possible with the east alternative. Commercial development will view the west bridge as a benefit, not a disruption. Deficiencies in Road Design - Capacity EDC's road design was intentionally under specified so it would compare favorably. The combination of a "diamond" interchange at Highway #10 (when a cloverleaf is needed) and a "T" intersection at c.R. #116 will not accommodate the expected volume of traffic. Deficiencies in Road Design - Safety A safe diamond interchange could be developed, however EDC focused on minimizing property acquisition instead of safety. Inadequate clearance between the Highway #10 acceleration/ deceleration lanes and adjoining driveways is provided. The EDC design has trucks carrying tons of equipment from Kovar and liquid petroleum from two propane dealers entering and exiting the acceleration and deceleration lanes. Additional property is needed for a safe interchange at Highway #10. A safe intersection with adequate traffic flow will require a "cloverleaf' not a diamond interchange. Site Constraints Resulting in Additional Cost The constraints imposed by existing businesses, critical rivers boundary and railroad tracks increase the likelihood that a more costly interchange design will be required. Site Constraints Resulting in Diminished Commercial Potential The constraints imposed by the existing businesses, critical rivers boundary and railroad tracks virtually eliminate any commercial potential at this intersection. Political Fallout The citizens of Ramsey have been alerted to the current transportation plan which depicts a four lane approach corridor through Ramsey. Many people believe that public officials have not been completely candid on this issue. These citizens may perceive selection of the east location (with an approach corridor stopping at C.R. #116) to be a politically-motivated half step toward achieving the roadway depicted in the current Transportation Plan. This opposition may result in a referendum. DISCREPANCIES IN GROMBERG'S REPORT On December 12, 1994, Jim Gromberg published a memo which claimed to compare costs for the east and west bridge alternatives. The memo actually compared EDC's plan to a west bridge plan he developed. The plan he developed differs significantly from the Planning Commission recommendation and would be more costly to build. This tactic may have been used to inflate the cOSt of the west alternative. Planning Subcommittee Memo to Council/January 13, 1995 Page 2 of 3