The I-35W Access Project and Lake Street has been discussed often during recent months on the Minneapolis Forum. This is a good thing. The proposal reflects a lot of hard work by a variety of residents and citizens who are members of the Project Advisory Committee. Neighborhoods are represented on this Committee, as well as non-profits, business groups and employers. This Committee has met monthly, and sometimes twice a month, since early 1999 in overseeing the development of this proposal. Subcommittees have met as often as weekly. We know that this is an important initiative for South Minneapolis and it should be thoroughly and openly discussed/ debated often. It is a very complicated proposal from community, land use, transportation and engineering perspectives.
Many opinions and characterizations have been publicly expressed regarding the proposed new ramps at Lake Street, the relocation of existing ramps at 35th/36th Streets to 38th Street, the redesign of the 5th Avenue ramp providing access to eastbound I-94 and northbound I-35W, redesign of Lake Street between 3rd and Blaisdelll Avenues, and the reopening of Nicollet Avenue at Lake Street. This is also very good. In addition, the design work and the potential traffic, environmental, community, cultural and historic impacts (perceived as being both positive and negative) have been publicly discussed. I have managed this transportation proposal since October of 1997. In the beginning, it was a small initiative, but grew in scope and cost as neighborhoods, residents, businesses and public agencies got involved (this participation has not been viewed negatively). The project's growth is the result of everyone having a chance to express opinions, make recommendations, provide information and propose additions/changes. At this point, it is a proposal that has a ways to go before becoming a project. Urban designers, landscape architects, traffic engineers and the Project Advisory Committee are working very hard to complete the preliminary design work by the end of this year. I sincerely do not know what the end result will be and frankly, I don't think anybody does. Much had been said about this project. Characterizations and opinions have freely flowed. I, and the members of the Project Advisory Committee, have always been eager to engage in these discussions. We have been proactive in making all project information available. This will never change. If you are interested in receiving information regarding: 1. traffic analysis and 20 year forecasts on local streets, with and without the access proposal. 2. Preliminary design plans for all ramps, bridges, Lake Street, reopened Nicollet, transit stops and stations, pedestrian crosswalks, urban design features, landscaping, etc., etc., etc. 3. The environmental assessment, including the cultural, historical review/inventory and social/economic considerations. 4. The Project Advisory Committee's recommendations for mitigating and enhancing the area through traffic calming, urban design features, landscaping, bridge design, establishment of gateways, etc. 5. Changing 35th and 36th Streets from one-way to two-ways and 1st Avenue from one-way to two-way north of 28th Street. 6. Schedule and funding. 7. Other I can be reached by telephone at 612-344-1400 (office), 612-508-4300 (cell), 612-344-1550 (fax) or email ([EMAIL PROTECTED]). If I am away at a meeting, please talk with Erin Armstrong or leave a voicemail message. I am also available to meet with individuals or groups at almost any time. This is a priority for me so just ask and give me the time and place. The Project Advisory Committee members are also available as a resource, I will provide the Committee roster upon request. Please accept this as an opportunity for you or anyone to see the proposal's maps, models, reports, drawings, etc. and to participate in further developing. Tom Johnson Smith Parker/Phillips Partnership _______________________________________ 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
