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CONSIDER ADOPTION OF T.H. #47 CORRIDOR STUDY By: Steve Jankowski, City Engineer Background: In the fall of 1995, the City initiated a Corridor Study along T.H. #47 in response to concerns raised over current congestion and increasing traffic caused by development. Specifically, the Corridor Study included the segment of highway between the Anoka City limits and 167th Avenue, and was charged with the goals of (a) determining the extent of current traffic operations, problems, and possible solutions; (b) developing an access management plan and an ultimate roadway design; and (c) developing a planning time table. A public hearing on a draft plan was held on March 26, 1996 after soliciting earlier public input at an informational meeting held on January 17, 1996 and a workshop session on March 19, 1996. Following the public hearing the consultant, SRF, Inc., was directed to prepare a response to comments made at the public heating. The consultant has revised the study and has made modifications in response to comments received. A copy of this revised draft is being transmitted under separate cover. Observations: Attached are the minutes of the March 26, 1996 public heating. Several issues recur in the comments: The 149th Avenue Neighborhood This neighborhood includes 11 properties which have been identified as being necessary for eventual acquisition in order to expand T.H. '#47 to its ultimate section. The study estimates this expansion will be warranted in 8 to 20 years. Residents expressed concern over the uncertainty of the acquisition and asked for a date when acquisition would occur. In addition, the plan suggested that several residences might possibly have their garage's access relocated in lieu of razing the entire property. The residents indicated they would prefer to be relocated rather than continue living so close to the expanded highway. Finally, a proposed connection of Sunwood Drive to 149th Avenue would also significantly alter the nature of their lots. The residents need to be advised very clearly as to the City's position on this issue. One alternative policy would be to declare that the City will not pursue the completion of the 149th Avenue/Sunwood Drive connection until their property was acquired for the expansion of T.H. #47. Although there is not a specific date when this acquisition will occur, again the study does project that the expansion will be warranted from between 8 and 20 years in the future, and current funding levels are causing warranted projects to be backlogged. A second alternative policy may be to declare that the City will not pursue the completion of the 149th Avenue/Sunwood Drive connection until their property was acquired for the expansion of T.H. #47, and to declare the City's opposition to the expansion of T.H. #47 until a certain date. This provides a very firm time frame for the residents, however, it places the City in a very difficult position if unforeseen developments would cause the need for the expansion of T.H. #47 earlier than the selected date.