Draft Minutes Community Development Committee May 10, 2011

Present: Charlie Hoffman (Committee Chair), Ken Webb, Ben Walen, Bob Hain, Steve Parsons, Sheldon Mains, Eric Drager (Hennepin County), Joshua Houdek (Sierra Club), Don Pflaum (City of Minneapolis), Robin Garwood (Cam Gordon's office), Doug Wise (SNG Housing Program Coordinator), and Katya Pilling (Seward Redesign). Introductions were made and Charlie called for approval of the April minutes. Robin asked that the statement reflecting Augsburg College and the hospital's decision to opt out of supporting pedestrian lighting on Riverside be changed to indicate that these were not firm decisions. Robin indicated that Augsburg has decided to support the lighting and the Hospital is still reviewing its decision. The minutes were approved subject to the correction.

Bike Lanes on 26th Avenue Don Pflaum said the proposed bike lanes will go from the Midtown Greenway to Franklin Ave. The 48 wide street will have two 11' driving lanes, two 5' bike lanes and two 8' parking lanes. The plan will not require the removal of any parking. Don was asked if a bike box could be included at Franklin Ave. similar to the one on the east end of the Franklin bridge over the river. He indicated that it would not be included in the original plan, but could possibly be added later. He said reactions to the Franklin bike box at the east end of the bridge have been mixed and the city is still studying the effectiveness of bike boxes. Sheldon said there needs to be more education on bike boxes for both drivers and bike riders. It was also recommended that additional signage and colored paint be added to emphasize conflict zones. Don said the city tried using green paint on Hennepin Ave. and it did not hold up due to winter weather conditions and the use of salt. It was suggested that pedestrian crosswalks be added at 22nd Street. Don said it probably doesn't fit with the city's policy, but he would take it back and discuss it with others. Robin stated that Minnesota cities have done a poor job of educating motorists about yielding to bike and pedestrian traffic. Motion: Moved that SNG support the plan for bike lanes on 26th Avenue from the Midtown Greenway to Franklin Avenue and request that the city look at adding more signage, paint and a bike box at Franklin. Sheldon moved and Bob seconded. Passed unanimously with Robin and Katya abstaining. _______________________________________________________________ Restriping of Franklin Avenue Don said the city will be doing a mill and overlay project this summer on Franklin Avenue from the bridge to 30th Ave., from 28th Ave. to 21st Ave. and from 16th Ave. to Lyndale. The two blocks at the Riverside intersection will be done with the Riverside reconstruction. The restriping will include bike lanes from the bridge to Minnehaha. Don stated that the 50' wide roadway is well suited for bikeways. Some sections will

have shared bike lanes and parking to avoid eliminating parking. The project will take 2-3 weeks and will be completed before reconstruction of Riverside begins. Charlie said the businesses on Franklin need to get information on the schedule and any disruption to parking. It was stated that the areas where cars and bikes will be sharing the roadway need to be well marked. A concern was raised about the Franklin Riverside intersection and the need for a left turn lane from Franklin to Riverside (for freeway access). Don said the County was looking at it, but is not sure whether it will work. Motion: Moved that SNG accept in principle the restriping plan for Franklin Avenue, that more attention be paid to the Riverside and 26th Avenue intersections, and that a plan needs to be figured out for the 21st Avenue to Minnehaha intersection. Bob moved and Ken seconded. Passed unanimously with Robin and Katya abstaining. ----------Updates: Katya said Redesign still has Great Streets funding available for facade improvements. Doug announced that his summer office hours will be Mondays and Tuesdays 9:003:00 and Thursdays 9:00-1:00. Meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m..