Before getting too excited about the state�s decision, however, it is critical to assess the full impact of this �victory� and understand what is about to hit south Minneapolis.
In stepping back, we realize that the $240 million Crosstown project fails to rectify traffic congestion on 35W - the state�s busiest corridor, fails to address flooding in Minneapolis neighborhoods lining the freeway, fails to reduce air and water pollution, fails to protect some of the most vulnerable nearby residents � the poor and people of color, and fails to assess the full impact of a highway construction project running from Richfield almost to downtown.
First, this project will not alleviate traffic congestion. When I attended a public meeting about the Crosstown Reconstruction Project last year, I asked Tom O�Keefe of MnDOT when the proposed project would reach traffic capacity. He said: �day one.� It only makes sense; cars are like water, they fill all open spaces. As new lanes are built, cars will swarm them � making it nearly impossible to discern improved traffic flow.
Second, this project will exacerbate flooding problems. The major storm water tunnel that runs under 35W at 39th Street is already at capacity during heavy rains and will worsen after the Crosstown Reconstruction. Flooding problems for several south Minneapolis neighborhoods like Kingfield, Lyndale, and Whittier will be compounded because the project will result in more than a 58-acre increase in impervious surface.
Third, this project will harm water quality. According to the city, the Crosstown Reconstruction �would appear to further impair water quality of receiving waters, including the Mississippi River and Diamond Lake which are already designated by the state as �impaired waters,� requiring further mitigation to remove pollutants.� Is this project a �victory� for the city if our main water source suffers as a result?
Fourth, this project heightens risks to the poor and people of color. As 35W widens to ten lanes under this project and Crosstown widens to as many as 13 lanes in some locations, it is the poor and people of color who are hit hardest. Look no further for an example than the apartment complex located west of 35W and immediately north of Cub Foods. This structure will be most heavily impacted as the widened freeway reaches closer to windows and doors, spreading fumes and the ever deafening drone of traffic.
Finally, this project is not evaluated for its cumulative effect on 35W. The reconstruction is slated to run from Richfield north to 46th Street. Don�t forget, however, that another reconstruction project (known as the 35W Access Project) picks up just north of 46th Street and runs for almost 20 more city blocks. The city said last August that the full reconstructed stretch must be evaluated for its impact on air, water, and noise. To claim that these projects are distinct and have no bearing on each other is misleading and a violation of federal law. Even the state now combines the $462 million projects, using the oxymoronic name of �35W Corridor Improvement Project.�
I hope that state, county, and city officials will reevaluate the true benefits of this project and decide if they should hold out for something more meaningful, effective, and environmentally-conscious. The creation of a BRT lane notwithstanding, the Crosstown project almost seems �retro� in its dependence on road building and hopes for getting us around faster. I think we can do better.
Sean Wherley Kingfield
REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[email protected] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
