Folks: I have to say, I find the notion of moving bus routes off the mall aggravating at best, if not somewhat elitist. I take the 18 north on Nicollet from 42nd Street into downtown frequently, and why buses need to run on the mall has never been so apparent to me as it has been this spring.
That route, and others, currently has to take a detour on Hennepin Avenue from 11th Street on to the library. Might not seem like much, but it makes it more difficult to get to other parts of downtown, such as City Hall, the Government Center, HCMC or the Metrodome. It can make for a somewhat grueling walk in some elements, and I'm a relatively hale and hearty person. I often see elderly and handicapped people on this route, and wonder where in downtown they are going, and how much harder it is for them to get there from Hennepin. Sure, there are other routes and transfers available, but having routes on the mall makes perfect sense, as it serves as a more central location. (And the mall, while not perfect, obviously functions quite well with traffic.) Before we go daydreaming about idyllic sidewalk cafes, perhaps we should first consider our mass transit system and how well it does or doesn't serve those who rely on it. G. R. Anderson Jr. Staff Writer City Pages once Ward 10, now Ward 8 Kingfield, King Field or King-Field -----Original Message----- From: Blanchett, Neal J. [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Thursday, June 20, 2002 2:46 PM To: '[EMAIL PROTECTED]' Subject: [Mpls] RE: Nicollet Mall Brandon Lacy Campos asked: What action steps would need to be taken to close Nicollet Mall to Taxi/Bus traffic? I assume it would take an ordinance from the City Council. I also wonder if the Transit Council has any "official" say in the matter. Can anyone answer this question for me? I worked in downtown Minneapolis for six years, and I love the architecture and feel of Nicollet Mall. I believe it is one of the best selling points of downtown. I believe some of the federal money used for renovating the Mall requires that it be used as a busway. Can anyone confirm if this is the case, and if the restrictions are still in effect? Neal Blanchett Lynnhurst _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
