It doesn't seem like a guarantee that additional "access" to Lake Street will revitalize areas that, I believe, people are currently afraid of.
I think the Sears tower development might be the key to revitalizing the area of Lake from 35W to Cedar (or at least Bloomington). A significant investment in that building to turn it into the 'crown jewel' of Midtown (that is what that area is dubbed now, right) could would likely attract interest in the neighborhood and a redoubling of efforts by public safety units (Hennepin County AND MPD) may help assuage some of the fears of the area.
I doubt that improved 'access' (read: expansion) at Lake Street would change the attitude that many people hold of the area. An attraction or public amenity might.
Bob Velez
Ward 4-1
Shingle Creek
From: Dave Piehl <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Mpls] I35W Expansion & Ramp to Allina/Wells Fargo Date: Tue, 19 Nov 2002 09:56:38 -0800 (PST)Question for List Members - Currently, folks going to Abbott Northwestern exit at 31st Street to get to the hospital. The famous "flyover" ramp would exit at 28th street. Yes, that is three blocks - only two of which have structures on them (the last one is faced by Wells Fargo parking lots). So basically, this means that the "access" at 28th street will mean workers and customers will be spared driving through three blocks, yes-three blocks, of the neighborhood (consistent with the Allina study which suggested their employees were frightened of the 31st St & Lake St intersections). Is it really worth all those millions of dollars to spare suburban commuters three blocks of city driving? To return home, they will have to get on the freeway at 31st St even after the "Access" Project - which could actually INCREASE traffic in the neighborhoods! Anyway - despite the fact that the "access" project only addresses single direction needs to Abbott & Wells Fargo, my question is this: Are there any other hospitals in the metro that have required a ramp to remain viable? Are there any other employers who would benefit by allowing their employees to be spared three blocks of city driving? Perhaps the next "access project" will include a ramp into the IDS tower. I'm so thankful that city councilmembers such as Lilligren, Zimmermann, and others are finally weighing in against this colossial waste of money and Trojan horse for freeway expansion. With any luck, the current project will soon meet it's well deserved demise, and work can start on an expansion-free project that meets the needs of the neighborhood, managed by planning staff and not a law firm. I also hope the city will commit legal resources to fighting MNDoT's illegal incrementalization of an expansion project. David Piehl Central __________________________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Web Hosting - Let the expert host your site http://webhosting.yahoo.com _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
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