Forwarded with permission of the author: I just had a meeting with Dan Niziolek, and it sounds like a bit mistake is about to made on Lake Street. They are trying to push through a vote (planned for next Friday, July 23rd) to make the street five lanes for many blocks around Chicago Avenue.
They are taking the parking lanes, which will kill streetlife because cars will be roaring past within inches of pedestrians. It will also hurt the new immigrant businesses (and all businesses) in the area by taking away their parking. This plan is being driven by the county (very dismissive of pedestrian concerns we learned with the Lyndale task force) with little regard for what it means for Lake Street as a business district or a place. This is strictly about moving cars a few seconds faster. Dan believes there is a good compromise, a hybrid 3-lane solution, supported by RT and the local council members. It makes some concession (rush hour parking bans) but won't kill the street, the streetlife, and the enterprising new businesses on the street. But things are poised to push this through before the alternative gets any attention. This project will affect Lake Street for 50 years, and deserves further discussion about what is best for everyone, not just impatient motorists. Next to downtown, Lake Street is probably the most definable "place" in Minneapolis. It would be a shame for it to become a speedway. It's very important for this issue to get some attention before the vote a week from Friday. Jay Walljasper Kingfield REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
