Say what you will about snow. But snow is a fantastic sound absorber and natural traffic calming device. Nothing makes you slow down and pay attention like the risk of life and limb.
More please!
Posts
2 years ago
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
signs - things to come?
In the past month or so there's been some conversation about LOW cost solutions to pedestrian issues. I've done a fairly extensive literature search on the most effective safety devices and found these:
http://www.safehitlx.com/default/face.php?C=RT360_signs
Of all Blinky lights and neon painted cones, these are the most effective for slowing vehicles and improving pedestrian safety (see: Innovative Treatments at Unsignalized Pedestrian Crossing
Locations - Herman Huang, Charles Zegeer, Richard Nassi)
And HEY! at a couple hundred bucks a pop these are EASY to raise money for... OR perhaps concerned neighborhood groups could sponsor a few of these in trouble spots.
I've also read that these paired with curb bump-out are a very effective combo!
This might be the next big push, we'll see what research and opinion turns up. Feel free to comment here.
Got Data back from the city (Data with a capitol D!) about the traffic speed vs. time of day and found some interesting trends:
-Rush hour is just that, a rush. Well over 50% of the traffic using Cedar at that time are traveling in excess of 35mph, in a posted 30mph zone.
-The information, at first glance, indicates that it is the through traffic commuters that are doing the speeding (is that a surprise to anyone?). On my block from 6-7am there were 659 cars headed North, towards the city, while there were only 374 headed South, out of the neighborhood. Of the [commuter etc] vehicles headed North 55% are FAR over the speed limit (greater than 5mph, about 17% faster). Of the Southbound traffic, presumably neighborhood headed towards the highway, only 31% were over 35mph.
-the morning ratio shows about 2/3 of all vehicles are headed North
-in the evening it's about 50/50 although Southbound is slightly higher. Since the heaviest backups occur at night, it would be worth seeing if the additional vehicles are using other streets to go South.
Hey, that tells me something interesting. To ME it indicates that Neighborhood traffic acts more responsibly... Good for us! This is reassuring. But on the downside, generally at least 50% of all cars are moving far in excess of the speed limit during 'off times' (even at 3am) which contribute to a lot of problems; ped safety, noise etc. These numbers give no indication exactly how much over 35 the cars are traveling.
I think that this give us a better handle on where to focus. I think it's been pretty obvious to residents of Cedar. We all knew that commuter traffic was heavy, but I didn't realize HOW heavy... and the speeds of what I call neighborhood vs commuter are very interesting.
I'm working on getting these number to the local precincts in order to inform them of the best times to patrol... and which side.
Thanks go to Jim Grube at the county for sharing these numbers. I'll work on getting them up here so you can all see what I'm trying to describe.
So now is the big question, how do we slow down through traffic... those that don't live in our area and have no vested interest in the quality of life around Cedar? Any thoughts??
http://www.safehitlx.com/default/face.php?C=RT360_signs
Of all Blinky lights and neon painted cones, these are the most effective for slowing vehicles and improving pedestrian safety (see: Innovative Treatments at Unsignalized Pedestrian Crossing
Locations - Herman Huang, Charles Zegeer, Richard Nassi)
And HEY! at a couple hundred bucks a pop these are EASY to raise money for... OR perhaps concerned neighborhood groups could sponsor a few of these in trouble spots.
I've also read that these paired with curb bump-out are a very effective combo!
This might be the next big push, we'll see what research and opinion turns up. Feel free to comment here.
Got Data back from the city (Data with a capitol D!) about the traffic speed vs. time of day and found some interesting trends:
-Rush hour is just that, a rush. Well over 50% of the traffic using Cedar at that time are traveling in excess of 35mph, in a posted 30mph zone.
-The information, at first glance, indicates that it is the through traffic commuters that are doing the speeding (is that a surprise to anyone?). On my block from 6-7am there were 659 cars headed North, towards the city, while there were only 374 headed South, out of the neighborhood. Of the [commuter etc] vehicles headed North 55% are FAR over the speed limit (greater than 5mph, about 17% faster). Of the Southbound traffic, presumably neighborhood headed towards the highway, only 31% were over 35mph.
-the morning ratio shows about 2/3 of all vehicles are headed North
-in the evening it's about 50/50 although Southbound is slightly higher. Since the heaviest backups occur at night, it would be worth seeing if the additional vehicles are using other streets to go South.
Hey, that tells me something interesting. To ME it indicates that Neighborhood traffic acts more responsibly... Good for us! This is reassuring. But on the downside, generally at least 50% of all cars are moving far in excess of the speed limit during 'off times' (even at 3am) which contribute to a lot of problems; ped safety, noise etc. These numbers give no indication exactly how much over 35 the cars are traveling.
I think that this give us a better handle on where to focus. I think it's been pretty obvious to residents of Cedar. We all knew that commuter traffic was heavy, but I didn't realize HOW heavy... and the speeds of what I call neighborhood vs commuter are very interesting.
I'm working on getting these number to the local precincts in order to inform them of the best times to patrol... and which side.
Thanks go to Jim Grube at the county for sharing these numbers. I'll work on getting them up here so you can all see what I'm trying to describe.
So now is the big question, how do we slow down through traffic... those that don't live in our area and have no vested interest in the quality of life around Cedar? Any thoughts??
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Idea for Crosswalk Signage on Cedar Ave
A GREAT idea was passed on to us from Stephanie, the block leader on 44th and Columbus regarding signage for crosswalks at the intersections of 44th and 47th Streets and Cedar Avenue.
It seems part of the hesitation by the city to put a crosswalk at an uncontrolled intersection is fear that traffic would not yield to pedestrians. I think her idea to put signage IN THE STREET, as well as on the boulevards, would make the crosswalk much more visable, and is substantially less expensive than a traffic light.
I've attached pictures of this type of sign...this one is at the interesection of 65th and Woodlake in Richfield. They also added wide, white stripes several yards before the intersection, as a further visual clue to watch for pedestrians.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Hooray!!
In case you haven't seen yet (since they came out this morning) we made the FRONT page of Southside Pride!!
The signs, however, are down temporarily since the Park Board wasn't too keen on having them in the easement. They will be up again SOON, hopefully tonight... and will be followed shortly by 2 other sets.
If you block is interested in creating these please let us know. The material for these sets was donated, but we now have a formula for creating successful, legible signage. They even Shine in the Dark!
-Will
In case you haven't seen yet (since they came out this morning) we made the FRONT page of Southside Pride!!
The signs, however, are down temporarily since the Park Board wasn't too keen on having them in the easement. They will be up again SOON, hopefully tonight... and will be followed shortly by 2 other sets.
If you block is interested in creating these please let us know. The material for these sets was donated, but we now have a formula for creating successful, legible signage. They even Shine in the Dark!
-Will
Friday, October 30, 2009
Cedar Ave, Edgewater Blvd and Chain of Lakes Parkway
It's time to discuss Edgewater and Cedar. This is one of the most contentious points of discussion on see click fix within the Cedar Ave corridor.
here are the facts:
click the photo to see the full intersection
What was done then does not appear to be working now. It is time to rethink this again. I think that we should stick with Jean R. in the 'do no harm' approach. That is, we need to avoid turning this into a problem elsewhere. Let's fix it for real, and for good. Based on discussions over the last year I think there will be a number of very well thought out ideas for solutions.
since this is my blog, here are my ideas. I encourage people to chime in with responses and alternate ideas... dialogue is the only way we're going to fix this!
Issue, Heavy traffic backups created by turning traffic and a mid-intersection merge.
my solutions:
1. Add a stoplight farther south on 77. create a 4 stop way that deals with traffic coming off of 62 headed North, busses headed to 62 west and through traffic headed on to Cedar. Make the lane reduction here. 1 lane will continue on to Cedar. Incorporate access to the Crosstown Service Road and integrate traffic exiting to Cedar from 62 West. (the access to service drive would create a new access to the area now accessed by edgewater.) Close edgewater to anything but right turns. (or block completely) Use the additional space, now occupied by a poorly conceived 2nd lane, for creating a designated left turn lane. Make painted medians into hardscape and incorporate landscaping. make accommodations for the HIGH amount of pedestrians that use this area. Also consider bike lanes since fast cycles crossing on park trails can be in serious danger from turning vehicles.
2. Or, Add stoplight as mentioned above, condensing Cedar to 1 lane each way, and create a 1 lane roundabout at the intersection. Create a full, landscaped median on the south side of the junction. This will allow traffic that would be turning left onto edgewater to travel completely around the intersection and access Edgewater by way of a right turn. A roundabout does a couple things. Of course it slows traffic and gives the same access, but it also reduces potential vehicle conflicts. It will also effect traffic psychologically by cutting off a clear line of view up Cedar.
Stoplights are fun (aren't they!) but the race to catch the green only contributes to the problem of speed. And it's hard to run a red when there's no light! Roundabouts are also friendly for peds and bikes since crossings are moved out of the intersection.
Here is a great site about roundabouts from the MNDot: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/roundabouts/ Check out the statistics and capacity... Drastically lower crash ratings and fairly high capacity, though slower speeds.
Note-I also think this would be an excellent solution to the host of problems playing out at the intersection of Cedar and Minnehaha Parkway. The narrow lanes dont allow for North/South turnlanes from East/West traffic. A roundabout would eliminate the need for turn lanes, and add to the 'park feel' which is so lacking here. to me it feels like a freeway through a greenspace. This could be viewed as a large scale, 'placemaking'.
The issue of heavy through/commuter traffic has been discussed many times. Delivery services are essential, but Cedar is not a shortcut. By creating a slight resistance to the traffic flow, making it feel slower, I believe that we can clear up some of the folks who think Cedar is a shortcut. (it's not by the way... 35 is probably still faster, and Hiawatha is practically EMPTY) Cedar, a two lane road, already carries 2/3 the traffic as Hiawatha at the same cross streets. Eliminating some of the non-stake holder traffic will allow us to deal more effectively with local traffic sources, to make Cedar serve it's purpose to those who live on or near it, and the immediate community members that rely on it. That's the WHOLE IDEA. The freeways were installed to eliminate the problem we're having now. It's spelled out in the planning docs from the 1960's. Example: We build a dam to keep the flood out. One day we discover a leak and rather than patch it we decide to make the hole bigger, and keep saying 'we meant it to work that way'.
That's my 5 cents worth. I like it, but I'm not married to it. There are certainly other ways, and now is your chance to present them. Lets start collecting ideas here on the blog. I will turn them into a list and then we can work together to present them to the county.
here are the facts:
- Highway 77 stops and Cedar Ave begins
- Cedar Crosses the Chain of Lakes Parkway
- Edgewater Blvd terminates onto Cedar
- Turning traffic is not accomodated headed North
- 4 lanes condense to 2 in an intersection
- well over 20,000 vehicles use this small strip of land
- Traffic backups can stretch for miles headed North in the AM and South in the PM indicating HEAVY commuter traffic
- Pedestrian and cycle traffic from the park is heavy in this area
- outside seating is present at Fat Lorenzo's
click the photo to see the full intersection
What was done then does not appear to be working now. It is time to rethink this again. I think that we should stick with Jean R. in the 'do no harm' approach. That is, we need to avoid turning this into a problem elsewhere. Let's fix it for real, and for good. Based on discussions over the last year I think there will be a number of very well thought out ideas for solutions.
since this is my blog, here are my ideas. I encourage people to chime in with responses and alternate ideas... dialogue is the only way we're going to fix this!
Issue, Heavy traffic backups created by turning traffic and a mid-intersection merge.
my solutions:
1. Add a stoplight farther south on 77. create a 4 stop way that deals with traffic coming off of 62 headed North, busses headed to 62 west and through traffic headed on to Cedar. Make the lane reduction here. 1 lane will continue on to Cedar. Incorporate access to the Crosstown Service Road and integrate traffic exiting to Cedar from 62 West. (the access to service drive would create a new access to the area now accessed by edgewater.) Close edgewater to anything but right turns. (or block completely) Use the additional space, now occupied by a poorly conceived 2nd lane, for creating a designated left turn lane. Make painted medians into hardscape and incorporate landscaping. make accommodations for the HIGH amount of pedestrians that use this area. Also consider bike lanes since fast cycles crossing on park trails can be in serious danger from turning vehicles.
2. Or, Add stoplight as mentioned above, condensing Cedar to 1 lane each way, and create a 1 lane roundabout at the intersection. Create a full, landscaped median on the south side of the junction. This will allow traffic that would be turning left onto edgewater to travel completely around the intersection and access Edgewater by way of a right turn. A roundabout does a couple things. Of course it slows traffic and gives the same access, but it also reduces potential vehicle conflicts. It will also effect traffic psychologically by cutting off a clear line of view up Cedar.
Stoplights are fun (aren't they!) but the race to catch the green only contributes to the problem of speed. And it's hard to run a red when there's no light! Roundabouts are also friendly for peds and bikes since crossings are moved out of the intersection.
Here is a great site about roundabouts from the MNDot: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/roundabouts/ Check out the statistics and capacity... Drastically lower crash ratings and fairly high capacity, though slower speeds.Note-I also think this would be an excellent solution to the host of problems playing out at the intersection of Cedar and Minnehaha Parkway. The narrow lanes dont allow for North/South turnlanes from East/West traffic. A roundabout would eliminate the need for turn lanes, and add to the 'park feel' which is so lacking here. to me it feels like a freeway through a greenspace. This could be viewed as a large scale, 'placemaking'.
The issue of heavy through/commuter traffic has been discussed many times. Delivery services are essential, but Cedar is not a shortcut. By creating a slight resistance to the traffic flow, making it feel slower, I believe that we can clear up some of the folks who think Cedar is a shortcut. (it's not by the way... 35 is probably still faster, and Hiawatha is practically EMPTY) Cedar, a two lane road, already carries 2/3 the traffic as Hiawatha at the same cross streets. Eliminating some of the non-stake holder traffic will allow us to deal more effectively with local traffic sources, to make Cedar serve it's purpose to those who live on or near it, and the immediate community members that rely on it. That's the WHOLE IDEA. The freeways were installed to eliminate the problem we're having now. It's spelled out in the planning docs from the 1960's. Example: We build a dam to keep the flood out. One day we discover a leak and rather than patch it we decide to make the hole bigger, and keep saying 'we meant it to work that way'.
That's my 5 cents worth. I like it, but I'm not married to it. There are certainly other ways, and now is your chance to present them. Lets start collecting ideas here on the blog. I will turn them into a list and then we can work together to present them to the county.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Burma Shave Sign Party
We will be creating the first of our series of Burma Shave-inspired signs to be placed along Cedar Avenue with traffic-calming themes on Sunday, October 18th between 2-4 pm at 4223 12th Avenue S.
If you would like to help create the signs, please stop by and lend a hand.
If you would like to donate materials for sign construction, here is the list of items we need:
plywood sheeting - our signs will be 2'x4', so scraps this big or larger that we can cut to size
9" paint roller brush
1 qt (?) green exterior paint (as close to the CAU color green as possible)
wooden stakes 3-4' in length
1-2 cans white spray paint
1-2 cans florescent (clear) spray paint
letter stencils - 6-8" in height
Materials donations can be dropped off at 4223 12th Ave before the event, or the day of - although we will need the plywood, green paint and roller brush by Sat Oct 17th so that they can be pre-painted. If you have materials to donate but cannot get them to us, email me at jle819@hotmail.com with what you wish to donate, and I can arrange to pick them up.
We also need volunteer yards; preferably 4 in a row. If you and your neighbors on Cedar would like to host these signs let us know!
We hope to see you on Sunday, Oct 18th!
Jeri Elsner
Monday, October 5, 2009
scary observation
This morning I was observing the traffic types and notices 2 big tanker trucks whoosh by. I looked up the green chemical warnings on the back and this is what I found:
Anhydrous Ammonia, which is absolutely terrifying to me. Check out the first aid descriptions:
http://www.mda.state.mn.us/chemicals/spills/ammoniaspills/firstaid.htm
An accident involving one of these would warrant the evacuation of most of our area, something I doubt our crowded streets could handle. I remember hearing about residential evacuations (and they are spelled out on the website above) involving a semi crash... The houses were adjacent to the freeway, fairly far away compared to our city zoning. What would happen is this happened in our densely packed neighborhoods? At rush hour - when I observed the tankers - emergency response would likely be slow at best because of all the out-of-city commuting traffic... and an evacuation would be 'difficult' to say the least.
Anhydrous Ammonia is commonly used on farm fields all across the country. I can't see any reason why the trucks would be using Cedar, other than it provides a short cut from 35W, and coming into the city via Hwy 77 would make sense. This further supports our opinion that Cedar Ave needs serious attention in order to reduce it's 'short-cut appeal'. This may be an extreme example, but a valid one. I would imagine that the 2 trucks I saw were not the first, or the last to ever use Cedar.
I'm also sure this isn't the only chemical that gets shipped down this corridor. This one particularly scared me, especially when considering how fast the trucks were traveling. I KNOW that county roads are supposed to be open to all legal vehicles... but in a tight residential area there NEEDS to be some thought applied to this (if there hasn't been already). Are there safety considerations in place? Have they been updated as traffic counts increase (double, triple, etc) This seems like a disaster waiting to happen.
I'd be interested to hear if anyone else has observed chemical tankers and/or hazardous material on Cedar. Please feel free to comment with your concern.
Anhydrous Ammonia, which is absolutely terrifying to me. Check out the first aid descriptions:
http://www.mda.state.mn.us/chemicals/spills/ammoniaspills/firstaid.htm
An accident involving one of these would warrant the evacuation of most of our area, something I doubt our crowded streets could handle. I remember hearing about residential evacuations (and they are spelled out on the website above) involving a semi crash... The houses were adjacent to the freeway, fairly far away compared to our city zoning. What would happen is this happened in our densely packed neighborhoods? At rush hour - when I observed the tankers - emergency response would likely be slow at best because of all the out-of-city commuting traffic... and an evacuation would be 'difficult' to say the least.
Anhydrous Ammonia is commonly used on farm fields all across the country. I can't see any reason why the trucks would be using Cedar, other than it provides a short cut from 35W, and coming into the city via Hwy 77 would make sense. This further supports our opinion that Cedar Ave needs serious attention in order to reduce it's 'short-cut appeal'. This may be an extreme example, but a valid one. I would imagine that the 2 trucks I saw were not the first, or the last to ever use Cedar.
I'm also sure this isn't the only chemical that gets shipped down this corridor. This one particularly scared me, especially when considering how fast the trucks were traveling. I KNOW that county roads are supposed to be open to all legal vehicles... but in a tight residential area there NEEDS to be some thought applied to this (if there hasn't been already). Are there safety considerations in place? Have they been updated as traffic counts increase (double, triple, etc) This seems like a disaster waiting to happen.
I'd be interested to hear if anyone else has observed chemical tankers and/or hazardous material on Cedar. Please feel free to comment with your concern.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Updates all around!
This neglected blog needs an update, so here goes:
Good things keep happening! We had a great event back on Sept 19th. Thanks to all that attended the 42nd and Cedar cleanup AND the Linestriping BBQ. Special thanks to Lamont Cleveland for providing such fantastic BBQ (pulled pork and jerk chicken, 2 kinds!!).
We've been chugging away with our reporting at SeeClickFix. I'd like to remind folks that IF YOU HAVE AN ISSUE RELATED TO THE ROAD, YOU CAN REPORT IT DIRECTLY TO MINNEAPOLIS THROUGH THIS WEBSITE. You can also find a portal to the CAU profile at our website: http://www.cedaraveunited.org/seeclickfix.html
Cedar Ave Pace car program is looming on the horizon. I will be giving updates on this at the meeting. I'd also like feedback and ideas as to how we can get this to spread into the surrounding neighborhoods. The notion of bumper stickers/static stickers has been brought up. THese could be available to private vehicles and possibly commercial vehicles.... we have made contact with one company that is willing to be a GIANT 18 WHEEL pace car for us; Freightmasters of Eagan. If you feel like sending them a thank-you e-mail, I'm sure they would love to hear it. Having a goliath pace car will be fantastic since it's tough to argue with something that size!
We've been kicking around the idea of creating road signs in the style of the old Burma Shave for a while. In our upcoming meeting we will be discussing this. We will need the following
So that's it for now. remember that there is an upcoming meeting on Wednesday, Oct 7th at 6:30. We'll be where we always are, at the Sibley Park Rec Center... here's a map: http://www.cedaraveunited.org/meetings.html
Thanks all, SEE YOU SOON!
Good things keep happening! We had a great event back on Sept 19th. Thanks to all that attended the 42nd and Cedar cleanup AND the Linestriping BBQ. Special thanks to Lamont Cleveland for providing such fantastic BBQ (pulled pork and jerk chicken, 2 kinds!!).
We've been chugging away with our reporting at SeeClickFix. I'd like to remind folks that IF YOU HAVE AN ISSUE RELATED TO THE ROAD, YOU CAN REPORT IT DIRECTLY TO MINNEAPOLIS THROUGH THIS WEBSITE. You can also find a portal to the CAU profile at our website: http://www.cedaraveunited.org/seeclickfix.html
Cedar Ave Pace car program is looming on the horizon. I will be giving updates on this at the meeting. I'd also like feedback and ideas as to how we can get this to spread into the surrounding neighborhoods. The notion of bumper stickers/static stickers has been brought up. THese could be available to private vehicles and possibly commercial vehicles.... we have made contact with one company that is willing to be a GIANT 18 WHEEL pace car for us; Freightmasters of Eagan. If you feel like sending them a thank-you e-mail, I'm sure they would love to hear it. Having a goliath pace car will be fantastic since it's tough to argue with something that size!
We've been kicking around the idea of creating road signs in the style of the old Burma Shave for a while. In our upcoming meeting we will be discussing this. We will need the following
- materials; wood, tools, paint, stencils etc
- rhymes (although we have MANY to work with currently)
- yard, we can't do this without participating yards, preferably next to each other
- crafty/artistic volunteers to help create the signs
So that's it for now. remember that there is an upcoming meeting on Wednesday, Oct 7th at 6:30. We'll be where we always are, at the Sibley Park Rec Center... here's a map: http://www.cedaraveunited.org/meetings.html
Thanks all, SEE YOU SOON!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Success!! x 1
Hello All,
At the last meeting I introduced a concept that has been going around the country, neighborhood pace cars. While I like the idea, it would be difficult to implement on Cedar because of the nature of our road. We are considered residential, but we have a number of businesses that rely on delivery services and shipments. So we have to think of ways to slow traffic without sacrificing our business' lifelines. We also have a million billion folks out there that would just as soon run a 'pace car' off the road rather then follow them (doesn't stop me though :)
Also, the pace car program only works if enough people sign up. So I though 'we need more pace cars'. Then I had another idea, 'we need BIGGER pace cars'.
Our businesses will ALWAYS need deliveries, and the shipping companies rely on our businesses for THEIR business... SO, I wrote a letter to one of the most noticed speeders and heaviest vehicles on Cedar Ave; Freightmasters. I have had many mornings in my garden spent shaking my fist at an 18 wheeler barreling down the road, spraying rocks and gravel... or waking up in the middle of the night to a jake brake shaking my walls, only to peer out the window and see the familiar red lettering on the white truck. I said that we are trying to improve our environment, we have had complaints about them. I explained that we could use thier help slowing traffic and that we could work together and everyone could win. I had my doubts. I didn't know if I would hear back... but I did, and right away.
This is what I got back:
I have started writing to other companies to see if they will also participate. We'll see how it goes, but I condsider this a tenetive success. Thanks Tim!
In the mean time, please consider becoming a pace car. As this idea progresses we may decide to make spiffy 'Cedar Ave United PACE CAR' bumper stickers! Any thoughts? Any specific companies that I should write too?
Thanks all!
Will
At the last meeting I introduced a concept that has been going around the country, neighborhood pace cars. While I like the idea, it would be difficult to implement on Cedar because of the nature of our road. We are considered residential, but we have a number of businesses that rely on delivery services and shipments. So we have to think of ways to slow traffic without sacrificing our business' lifelines. We also have a million billion folks out there that would just as soon run a 'pace car' off the road rather then follow them (doesn't stop me though :)
Also, the pace car program only works if enough people sign up. So I though 'we need more pace cars'. Then I had another idea, 'we need BIGGER pace cars'.
Our businesses will ALWAYS need deliveries, and the shipping companies rely on our businesses for THEIR business... SO, I wrote a letter to one of the most noticed speeders and heaviest vehicles on Cedar Ave; Freightmasters. I have had many mornings in my garden spent shaking my fist at an 18 wheeler barreling down the road, spraying rocks and gravel... or waking up in the middle of the night to a jake brake shaking my walls, only to peer out the window and see the familiar red lettering on the white truck. I said that we are trying to improve our environment, we have had complaints about them. I explained that we could use thier help slowing traffic and that we could work together and everyone could win. I had my doubts. I didn't know if I would hear back... but I did, and right away.
This is what I got back:
Hi Will,
Thank you for introducing us to your community action group. It certainly sounds like a worthwhile effort.
We’ll get the word out to all of our driver employees to be particularly mindful of traffic laws when they need to move through your neighborhoods, and we’ll try to avoid unnecessary movements through that area.
Sincerely,
Tim Beltz
Tim, THANK YOU SO MUCH! I look forward to the big white trucks helping us calm our area. We know you are integral to the fabric of our area. By slowing down a bit you will lower your impact, and help us tame traffic in the process. And honestly, who's going to try to run a SEMI off the road! Bravo wonderful giant pace truck! Bravo! The next time you drive through our neighborhood (slowly) we will be waving and smiling... not that other thing we do.I have started writing to other companies to see if they will also participate. We'll see how it goes, but I condsider this a tenetive success. Thanks Tim!
In the mean time, please consider becoming a pace car. As this idea progresses we may decide to make spiffy 'Cedar Ave United PACE CAR' bumper stickers! Any thoughts? Any specific companies that I should write too?
Thanks all!
Will
Monday, September 14, 2009
PARTY!! etc...
Dear Cedar Ave United members, friends, supporters and neighbors,
This upcoming Saturday, the 19th of September we will be holding our first public event, well, two of them actually… And you’re ALL invited:
12:00 Noon: 42nd and Cedar Pickup and brush up. We will be pairing with Standish Ericsson Neighborhood Association and the City of Minneapolis Great Streets program to help clean up this neglected intersection. We will be clearing away litter, pulling weeds and just spiffing it up in general. This is a public event, everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend! SENA will be providing pick up materials and garbage disposal. Come out and show your support for our local businesses. Let’s do our best to Make it clean and keep it green!
Cedar Ave United t-shirts will be available for purchase, or you can show your support and solidarity by wearing something green!
4:00 pm: After the clean-up we will be migrating 3 blocks to the south to 4500 Cedar Ave where we will raise a toast to our newly painted parking lanes. We will be holding a pot luck picnic in my front yard! Our resident pit master will be treating us to his famous BBQ cooked over an open fire! Again, all are welcome. Just bring a dish to share, a donation for the BBQ supplies and your own beverage if you want more than water or soda.
This will be an informal affair and we hope that City and County officials will feel free to attend and enjoy the afternoon with us!
Both events are open to all! A quick RSVP to this e-mail address would be appreciated in order to plan for the BBQ.
So stop by, say hi, meet a few of your neighbors and enjoy the day, and our newly improved roadway!
Looks like it’s going to be a WONDERFUL day, hope to see you all there!
Will
4500 Cedar Ave.
cedartraffic@gmail.com
Monday, August 31, 2009
Mondays
I have managed to use this blog as a relatively neutral posting location... aside from the fact that there's not much neutral about the cause. But today I have a personal post that ties in with the main cause. So here goes
Dear Angry Dude in the Subaru,
I know I got in your way this morning, but I'm not sorry. I saw you speeding (like REALLY speeding) and just thought of all the kids, pets, wildlife, cyclists... and PEOPLE that live on this block. The thought of a dented bumper really didn't bother me when compared to the thought of someone smashed trying to get across the road, or get into their car. I've got insurance on my car, but you can't fix dead.
I pulled out in front of you, it's true. Granted, you had half a block to slow down. I'm not sorry that I got in your way, had you been traveling 30mph you wouldn't even have noticed me. It's really scary that you almost hit that parked car when you stepped on the gas and pulled out to pass me, but in that parked cars defense, it was in the parking lane. (that's what those solid white stripes are)
I saw you take a photo of my plates, and I saw you make a quick phone call. It would be a shame if you called 911, you'd be wasting their time. I don't think that the city would side with you on this one, even if you were late to work. I didn't even bother to get your plates. Usually I call in folks with road rage but these days I'm sick to death of drivers like you, and honestly your antics weren't that memorable compared to some.
You have helped me grow. You made me think of trying a new campaign for Cedar Ave United, or rather, an adaptation of a popular campaign: 'Be a Pace Car, not a Race Car'. You got me thinking that if everyone who lived near Cedar made a pledge to go 30 or less that maybe folks like you wouldn't use Cedar as a highway anymore. There's thousands of us, and we're all responsible for what happens on our streets.
So grow up, and slow down. Accept that it's going to take 10 minutes to get to the highway no matter who you are behind. You'll feel better and live longer.
-Will
I hope he reads this. I don't know what else to do about these folks. The city doesn't seem to take traffic issues seriously. Enforcement is so expensive and making it effective would mean 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We can paint as many lines as we want, but it's only going to work on a few people, the ones with a conscience (that's all of you good folks, or you likely wouldn't be interested in this blog :)
We need some pace cars. We need a lot of them. We need some brave folks who don't mind being screamed at or on the receiving end of misplaced rage. I've been setting my cruise control at 30 for the last 2 years. It's easy and you don't have to worry about speeding. Besides, if you go 30, you WILL hit every green light. It's really surprising!
If we get enough of our friends and neighbors to subscribe to this hot new fad, maybe we can calm things culturally. A Culture of Calming. (Hey, that's fun to say) If we can slow things to the speed limit maybe folks won't use Cedar as a shortcut, maybe folks will end up looking around and paying more attention (maybe). Maybe they'll see all the folks that live on Cedar and rely on the street to get safely from place to place (by foot, car, bike, bus etc)
I would like to talk about this a little at our next meeting, WHICH IS THIS WEDNESDAY, SEPT 6TH. See the website for directions www.cedaraveunited.org
Hope to see you all there. Drive safely and remember, Pace Car not Race Car
Dear Angry Dude in the Subaru,
I know I got in your way this morning, but I'm not sorry. I saw you speeding (like REALLY speeding) and just thought of all the kids, pets, wildlife, cyclists... and PEOPLE that live on this block. The thought of a dented bumper really didn't bother me when compared to the thought of someone smashed trying to get across the road, or get into their car. I've got insurance on my car, but you can't fix dead.
I pulled out in front of you, it's true. Granted, you had half a block to slow down. I'm not sorry that I got in your way, had you been traveling 30mph you wouldn't even have noticed me. It's really scary that you almost hit that parked car when you stepped on the gas and pulled out to pass me, but in that parked cars defense, it was in the parking lane. (that's what those solid white stripes are)
I saw you take a photo of my plates, and I saw you make a quick phone call. It would be a shame if you called 911, you'd be wasting their time. I don't think that the city would side with you on this one, even if you were late to work. I didn't even bother to get your plates. Usually I call in folks with road rage but these days I'm sick to death of drivers like you, and honestly your antics weren't that memorable compared to some.
You have helped me grow. You made me think of trying a new campaign for Cedar Ave United, or rather, an adaptation of a popular campaign: 'Be a Pace Car, not a Race Car'. You got me thinking that if everyone who lived near Cedar made a pledge to go 30 or less that maybe folks like you wouldn't use Cedar as a highway anymore. There's thousands of us, and we're all responsible for what happens on our streets.
So grow up, and slow down. Accept that it's going to take 10 minutes to get to the highway no matter who you are behind. You'll feel better and live longer.
-Will
I hope he reads this. I don't know what else to do about these folks. The city doesn't seem to take traffic issues seriously. Enforcement is so expensive and making it effective would mean 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We can paint as many lines as we want, but it's only going to work on a few people, the ones with a conscience (that's all of you good folks, or you likely wouldn't be interested in this blog :)
We need some pace cars. We need a lot of them. We need some brave folks who don't mind being screamed at or on the receiving end of misplaced rage. I've been setting my cruise control at 30 for the last 2 years. It's easy and you don't have to worry about speeding. Besides, if you go 30, you WILL hit every green light. It's really surprising!
If we get enough of our friends and neighbors to subscribe to this hot new fad, maybe we can calm things culturally. A Culture of Calming. (Hey, that's fun to say) If we can slow things to the speed limit maybe folks won't use Cedar as a shortcut, maybe folks will end up looking around and paying more attention (maybe). Maybe they'll see all the folks that live on Cedar and rely on the street to get safely from place to place (by foot, car, bike, bus etc)
I would like to talk about this a little at our next meeting, WHICH IS THIS WEDNESDAY, SEPT 6TH. See the website for directions www.cedaraveunited.org
Hope to see you all there. Drive safely and remember, Pace Car not Race Car
Monday, August 24, 2009
Announcement from Aug 17th meeting, and other stuff
Hello Cedar Ave United,
I want to thank everyone that attended our most recent meeting (last Monday) and remind everyone that we will revert to our FIRST WEDNESDAY schedule starting on the 2ND OF SEPTEMBER.
For those of you that missed the meeting with County Commissioner Peter McLaughlin, the minutes will be out soon and posted on the website (http://www.cedaraveunited.org/meetings.html)
We have created a few committees: Executive Committee, for people interested in the operations and organizing of CAU; Yard Sign committee, for folks who would like to create and distribute CAU poetic yard signs (see blog posting: http://cedaravenueunited.blogspot.com/2009/08/use-burma-shave.html ); and a Line Striping Party Committee, to plan our first big getting-things-done celebration. if any of these interest you please e-mail me. We can always use another set of helping hands.
We are also in need of folks interested in cleaning up the intersection of 42nd and Cedar. This event will be held in conjunction with SENA (Standish Ericsson Neighborhood Associate) and Mpls Great Streets Program. If you are interested in participating or organizing please e-mail me ASAP. Projects will involve: garbage pick-up, weeding, painting and more! We're going to make this place SPARKLE! We are hoping to get a date picked out in the next few days, so be sure to e-mail soon. I will e-mail again about the event as it develops.
CEDAR AVE UNITED T-SHIRTS ARE HERE!!! They look great! Thanks to Michelle at www.Dragonflypromo.com for having these made. Nice bright 'road sign' green with CAU logo on the front, web address on the back. They are $12. quantities are limited so e-mail me today if you are interested.
Remember to keep an eye on the website and blog for updates and events. And remember that if you have issues related to traffic, safety and environment on Cedar you can report them using the See Click Fix tool at http://www.cedaraveunited.org/seeclickfix.html . Your report will go to the city of Minneapolis 311, and you will get an e-mail response almost immediately!
Good work everyone, lets keep it rolling!
Will
4500 Cedar
I want to thank everyone that attended our most recent meeting (last Monday) and remind everyone that we will revert to our FIRST WEDNESDAY schedule starting on the 2ND OF SEPTEMBER.
For those of you that missed the meeting with County Commissioner Peter McLaughlin, the minutes will be out soon and posted on the website (http://www.cedaraveunited.org/meetings.html)
We have created a few committees: Executive Committee, for people interested in the operations and organizing of CAU; Yard Sign committee, for folks who would like to create and distribute CAU poetic yard signs (see blog posting: http://cedaravenueunited.blogspot.com/2009/08/use-burma-shave.html ); and a Line Striping Party Committee, to plan our first big getting-things-done celebration. if any of these interest you please e-mail me. We can always use another set of helping hands.
We are also in need of folks interested in cleaning up the intersection of 42nd and Cedar. This event will be held in conjunction with SENA (Standish Ericsson Neighborhood Associate) and Mpls Great Streets Program. If you are interested in participating or organizing please e-mail me ASAP. Projects will involve: garbage pick-up, weeding, painting and more! We're going to make this place SPARKLE! We are hoping to get a date picked out in the next few days, so be sure to e-mail soon. I will e-mail again about the event as it develops.
CEDAR AVE UNITED T-SHIRTS ARE HERE!!! They look great! Thanks to Michelle at www.Dragonflypromo.com for having these made. Nice bright 'road sign' green with CAU logo on the front, web address on the back. They are $12. quantities are limited so e-mail me today if you are interested.
Remember to keep an eye on the website and blog for updates and events. And remember that if you have issues related to traffic, safety and environment on Cedar you can report them using the See Click Fix tool at http://www.cedaraveunited.org/seeclickfix.html . Your report will go to the city of Minneapolis 311, and you will get an e-mail response almost immediately!
Good work everyone, lets keep it rolling!
Will
4500 Cedar
Monday, August 17, 2009
Tonight's the night
Tonight is our meeting with Commissioner Peter McLaughlin.
I've been putting together some questions in the little time between the 2 jobs I work. I'm all about diplomacy, but we need to start asking the tough questions... so here goes. I will try to get these in at some point tonight. What we need to hear from commissioner McLaughlin is that Hen County is ready to commit to the safety issues on Cedar Ave. We really would be an easy area to SHOWCASE THE HENNEPIN COUNTY COMPLETE STREETS POLICY. A high traffic area, with thriving businesses etc etc. we will always be a busy area, making it better will be the most effective advertising the county could do, while simultaneously improving the living environment for tens of thousands of people living in South Minneapolis.
So here are the questions I've worked up. We'll see what gets covered tonight.
Cedar Ave Future; a growing problem:
Cedar Avenue Transitway
The Cedar Avenue Corridor connects Lakeville to Bloomington. Forecasts indicate the traffic at CR-42 and Cedar Ave. will almost double from 70,000 vehicles per day to 130,000 vehicles by 2030. (According to Dakota County: http://www.co.dakota.mn.us/EnvironmentRoads/Transit/PublicTransportation/CedarAve.htm)
This figure is used in the language for the Cedar Ave Transit Corridor project. Much of this traffic will stay on 77 and 62, but many will choose Cedar Ave within Minneapolis, adding to the already poor conditions.
Parts of Cedar Avenue carry over 20,000 cars. That's only 1/3 less than Hiawatha, a 4 lane, 45mph express roadway. Hiawatha accommodates the excessive noise with sound barriers and WIDE spacing between cars and homes. Cedar is not able to do that.
Why has Hennepin Co not made any plans to deal with this staggering prediction?
The Population of Minneapolis is lower now than it was 20 years ago. (even in 1950! according to Wikipedia census records) Cedar ave is, by definition, an 'A' Minor arterial designed to service the immediate neighborhoods and short trips. NOT serve as a major throughway/hiway. With less people, why is it busier than EVER. Assuming that the designation was made (back in the 1960's) with housing and environment in mind, why has it been allowed to spiral out of control?
Our homes are not zoned any differently on Cedar than any other residential roads.
*Currently the vibration is compromising the integrity of the plaster (cracking and shaking loose) in MY home. I can't imagine I'm the only one! A recent addition made to the home was done with an NRP loan, the damage being done by the shaking will negate any value added to the property... improving house stock is the main reason that these loans are given, stabilizing the environment might be a better solution. Bottom line; these environmental issues will continue to erode the tax base in the corridor, making a lot of people VERY angry when the property taxes increase about 12% in the next two years.
Reasons for an infrastructure improvement:
Noise levels on Cedar Ave greatly exceed state (65 db(A)) and national standards. A recent preliminary noise reading measured off peak traffic noise at 73 db(A). This measurement shows that perceived noise for homes, businesses and parks along Cedar is nearly TWICE the state limit, and subsequently TWICE the maximum airport noise allowance based on class action lawsuits.
The major factors in traffic noise are speed and vehicle composition. According to Jim Grube at Hen. Co., and based on a very recent test, the traffic routinely exceeds 35 mph. Based on recent observations by residents and the Minneapolis speed wagon, it is not unusual to see vehicles in excess of 50 mph.
A dollar amount can be applied to the loss in property values along the corridor based on miles per hour over 30 and/or db(A) over 65.
But:
more vehicles = high noise levels
fast traffic = high noise levels
reduced vehicles = higher traffic speeds
so again:
fast traffic = high noise levels
It’s a catch 22; the only way to fix this, realistically and cost effectively, is with physical improvements.
How do we reduce all these factors to bring Cedar back within compliant noise levels?
It will only take a small reduction in traffic speed to bring the noise within acceptable levels. Strangely enough, 30 mph is the speed below which traffic noise would likely be below 65 db(A). It's ALSO the fastest speed at which a pedestrian would expect to survive if hit (still injured, just 60% or so less likely to die)
-Effective enforcement must be 24-7; Minneapolis is not willing/able to do this.
-We need an infrastructure that will reduce speeds.
-We need elements that will allow residents to cross the road to access parks, businesses and transit.
-CAN WE PIGGY-BACK PHYSICAL CHANGES WITH UPCOMING AND ONGOING UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS?
-curb bumpouts, protected parking, raised crosswalks etc.
That's what I've got so far. I certainly hope that we can approach some of these topics this evening.
I've been putting together some questions in the little time between the 2 jobs I work. I'm all about diplomacy, but we need to start asking the tough questions... so here goes. I will try to get these in at some point tonight. What we need to hear from commissioner McLaughlin is that Hen County is ready to commit to the safety issues on Cedar Ave. We really would be an easy area to SHOWCASE THE HENNEPIN COUNTY COMPLETE STREETS POLICY. A high traffic area, with thriving businesses etc etc. we will always be a busy area, making it better will be the most effective advertising the county could do, while simultaneously improving the living environment for tens of thousands of people living in South Minneapolis.
So here are the questions I've worked up. We'll see what gets covered tonight.
Cedar Ave Future; a growing problem:
Cedar Avenue Transitway
The Cedar Avenue Corridor connects Lakeville to Bloomington. Forecasts indicate the traffic at CR-42 and Cedar Ave. will almost double from 70,000 vehicles per day to 130,000 vehicles by 2030. (According to Dakota County: http://www.co.dakota.mn.us/EnvironmentRoads/Transit/PublicTransportation/CedarAve.htm)
This figure is used in the language for the Cedar Ave Transit Corridor project. Much of this traffic will stay on 77 and 62, but many will choose Cedar Ave within Minneapolis, adding to the already poor conditions.
Parts of Cedar Avenue carry over 20,000 cars. That's only 1/3 less than Hiawatha, a 4 lane, 45mph express roadway. Hiawatha accommodates the excessive noise with sound barriers and WIDE spacing between cars and homes. Cedar is not able to do that.
Why has Hennepin Co not made any plans to deal with this staggering prediction?
The Population of Minneapolis is lower now than it was 20 years ago. (even in 1950! according to Wikipedia census records) Cedar ave is, by definition, an 'A' Minor arterial designed to service the immediate neighborhoods and short trips. NOT serve as a major throughway/hiway. With less people, why is it busier than EVER. Assuming that the designation was made (back in the 1960's) with housing and environment in mind, why has it been allowed to spiral out of control?
Our homes are not zoned any differently on Cedar than any other residential roads.
*Currently the vibration is compromising the integrity of the plaster (cracking and shaking loose) in MY home. I can't imagine I'm the only one! A recent addition made to the home was done with an NRP loan, the damage being done by the shaking will negate any value added to the property... improving house stock is the main reason that these loans are given, stabilizing the environment might be a better solution. Bottom line; these environmental issues will continue to erode the tax base in the corridor, making a lot of people VERY angry when the property taxes increase about 12% in the next two years.
Reasons for an infrastructure improvement:
Noise levels on Cedar Ave greatly exceed state (65 db(A)) and national standards. A recent preliminary noise reading measured off peak traffic noise at 73 db(A). This measurement shows that perceived noise for homes, businesses and parks along Cedar is nearly TWICE the state limit, and subsequently TWICE the maximum airport noise allowance based on class action lawsuits.
The major factors in traffic noise are speed and vehicle composition. According to Jim Grube at Hen. Co., and based on a very recent test, the traffic routinely exceeds 35 mph. Based on recent observations by residents and the Minneapolis speed wagon, it is not unusual to see vehicles in excess of 50 mph.
A dollar amount can be applied to the loss in property values along the corridor based on miles per hour over 30 and/or db(A) over 65.
But:
more vehicles = high noise levels
fast traffic = high noise levels
reduced vehicles = higher traffic speeds
so again:
fast traffic = high noise levels
It’s a catch 22; the only way to fix this, realistically and cost effectively, is with physical improvements.
How do we reduce all these factors to bring Cedar back within compliant noise levels?
It will only take a small reduction in traffic speed to bring the noise within acceptable levels. Strangely enough, 30 mph is the speed below which traffic noise would likely be below 65 db(A). It's ALSO the fastest speed at which a pedestrian would expect to survive if hit (still injured, just 60% or so less likely to die)
-Effective enforcement must be 24-7; Minneapolis is not willing/able to do this.
-We need an infrastructure that will reduce speeds.
-We need elements that will allow residents to cross the road to access parks, businesses and transit.
-CAN WE PIGGY-BACK PHYSICAL CHANGES WITH UPCOMING AND ONGOING UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS?
-curb bumpouts, protected parking, raised crosswalks etc.
That's what I've got so far. I certainly hope that we can approach some of these topics this evening.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Use Burma Shave!
a few of us met last week to discuss how the Minneapolis Great Streets program and structure could be adapted to our mission here at Cedar Ave United. One thing discussed in Great Streets efforts (or so I'm told) is marketing area businesses by making signage... Since most of our area on Cedar is residential (most, but by NO means all!) this leads us to the yard sign.
Minnie, one of our members, dabbles in poetry. She says she writes 'little ditties'. They're really great! She suggested that we take a Burma Shave approach. I didn't quite know what she meant by that. but I soon found out.
Burma Shave is known for it's unique advertising approach comprised of series of signs. Some of you are probably familiar with this, but it was a little before my time:) The 5 or 6 signs would fit together to make a rhyme. Motorists would drive past these signs and 'get the message'. The campaign was wildly successful. She loaned me the book. I read the whole thing. It's pretty good!
Stuff like:
In this vale
of Toil and Sin
your head grows bald
but Not your chin
use Burma Shave
so here is a witty ditty from Minnie. I think we should use it:
Please slow down
no need to rush
If you crash
you might be mush!!
the lights ahead
that you can see
change every two minutes
believe you me
let the pedestrians
cross the street
so they don't end up
under a sheet
we value our children
each and every one
going to funerals
is Never fun
Elko speedway
this is not
respect our homes
we love you a lot
I love em! I think we could break them into stanzas and put them up and down the road. We could move them around to various locations, and of course follow each up with a 'Cedar Ave United' sign.
We'd need plywood, furring strips, green paint, white paint, brushes, stencils and artists. I'm all for it, any other takers?? We'll mention it at the meeting this next monday.
ALSO: this is particularly appropriate seeing as how the Burma Shave headquarters was located near the intersection of Cedar and Lake ON Cedar Ave!! Maybe that's why I love this idea so much! Thanks Minnie!
Minnie, one of our members, dabbles in poetry. She says she writes 'little ditties'. They're really great! She suggested that we take a Burma Shave approach. I didn't quite know what she meant by that. but I soon found out.
Burma Shave is known for it's unique advertising approach comprised of series of signs. Some of you are probably familiar with this, but it was a little before my time:) The 5 or 6 signs would fit together to make a rhyme. Motorists would drive past these signs and 'get the message'. The campaign was wildly successful. She loaned me the book. I read the whole thing. It's pretty good!
Stuff like:
In this vale
of Toil and Sin
your head grows bald
but Not your chin
use Burma Shave
so here is a witty ditty from Minnie. I think we should use it:
Please slow down
no need to rush
If you crash
you might be mush!!
the lights ahead
that you can see
change every two minutes
believe you me
let the pedestrians
cross the street
so they don't end up
under a sheet
we value our children
each and every one
going to funerals
is Never fun
Elko speedway
this is not
respect our homes
we love you a lot
I love em! I think we could break them into stanzas and put them up and down the road. We could move them around to various locations, and of course follow each up with a 'Cedar Ave United' sign.
We'd need plywood, furring strips, green paint, white paint, brushes, stencils and artists. I'm all for it, any other takers?? We'll mention it at the meeting this next monday.
ALSO: this is particularly appropriate seeing as how the Burma Shave headquarters was located near the intersection of Cedar and Lake ON Cedar Ave!! Maybe that's why I love this idea so much! Thanks Minnie!
Friday, July 10, 2009
Promising new tool, seeclickfix additional info
Hello CAU,
After reading local and national traffic planning blogs and news feeds for the better part of the year, we finally found an online tool that may be very useful for Cedar Ave United. The website www.seeclickfix.com recently got some national attention; read about it here if you like: http://downtownnewhaven.blogspot.com/2009/03/seeclickfix-transportation-safety.html
Steve B. created a 'watch area' for Cedar Ave United; now we have a simple way to keep track of the complaints for Cedar Ave. And guess what, when you file a complaint about the street on the website, it appears to send it directly to 311, making this an easy way to go right up the food chain.
Our watchgroup is here: http://www.seeclickfix.com/watch_area/1076 if you sign up to 'follow' the CAU watch area you will receive an update whenever a complaint is logged within the area. Our watch area may help to add unity to our complaints in the future, at the very least it is currently helping us stay updated on where people are having concerns.
Here is a link directly to the map with concerns noted: http://www.seeclickfix.com/issues?watcher_token=d162b5ac1981b2974de283a24c8ecf28c051ed5f
Please chime in and log your trouble spots, we really need your input. Also make sure to check out our website for updated meeting information and developing events! www.cedaraveunited.org
Thanks everyone in advance for their participation!
Will Peterson
After reading local and national traffic planning blogs and news feeds for the better part of the year, we finally found an online tool that may be very useful for Cedar Ave United. The website www.seeclickfix.com recently got some national attention; read about it here if you like: http://downtownnewhaven.
Steve B. created a 'watch area' for Cedar Ave United; now we have a simple way to keep track of the complaints for Cedar Ave. And guess what, when you file a complaint about the street on the website, it appears to send it directly to 311, making this an easy way to go right up the food chain.
Our watchgroup is here: http://www.seeclickfix.com/
Here is a link directly to the map with concerns noted: http://www.seeclickfix.com/issues?watcher_token=d162b5ac1981b2974de283a24c8ecf28c051ed5f
Please chime in and log your trouble spots, we really need your input. Also make sure to check out our website for updated meeting information and developing events! www.cedaraveunited.org
Thanks everyone in advance for their participation!
Will Peterson
Thursday, July 9, 2009
July 9, 2009
There has sure been a lot going on, and I apologize that it has kept me from blogging.
Our last meeting (July 1) was fairly productive. The minutes will be posted soon, but until then here are some highlights:
Steve B. discussed his work with the Great Streets program in SENA. He suggested we adopt the Great Streets framework and adapt it to fit out more residential areas. Personally, I agree. The program stems from the Main Street program put out by the National Trust for Historic Preservation .
The bonus is that this framwork is tried and true. It's standardized and adaptable... and currently the city of Minneapolis is funding projects like this through its Great Streets program.
The con (in my mind) is that it doesn't deal with the traffic planning and infrastructure issues that desperately need to be dealt with.
I think it will be quite simple to re-tool the framework to our needs. For the time being we have two main parts to the group; Me on the traffic, safety and environment and Steve on the business environment and development. It's a yin and yang relationship that really seems to work out well for CAU.
A group of 4 volunteers from our last meeting will soon be setting up a meeting to look at the re-working of the policy to see if we can make it work.
We have recently decided that there is a need for an events committee. One thing that many in the group have expressed interest in doing is a corridor cleanup, but there are many other things. A boulevard garden competition/club etc.
We also talked t-shirts. Michelle at dragonfly promotions (and Cedar Ave resident!) is looking into the pricing to get us some lovely green Cedar Ave United! t-shirts. Thank you Michelle, I'm excited to see how this goes. The T-shirts will help identify people handing out information door to door and at events. They will also help increase our visibility when we start organizing events like a cleanup day, or boulevard garden day or whatever we decide to get together.
I'm really excited because green is also my favorite color. Hooray!
Recently found a great tool:
www.seeclickfix.com is a website that allows people to locate a place on a map and post a comment about the area. In this case the site focuses on transportation. Steve B. created a watch site that covers the Cedar Ave corridor. If you follow the watch site you will get a notification whenever a spot is posted withing the selected zone. Here is ours: http://www.seeclickfix.com/watch_area/1076
Read more about how this has been used by other cities here: http://downtownnewhaven.blogspot.com/2009/03/seeclickfix-transportation-safety.html
I encourage everyone to post issues here. It will be an easy way to keep track of what needs doing. It will also help me locate areas that need some serious consideration. Try it, and remember to follow the watch zone if you are interested!
So more will follow, remember to keep an eye on the big website for minutes. I will post something here when they are up.
Our last meeting (July 1) was fairly productive. The minutes will be posted soon, but until then here are some highlights:
Steve B. discussed his work with the Great Streets program in SENA. He suggested we adopt the Great Streets framework and adapt it to fit out more residential areas. Personally, I agree. The program stems from the Main Street program put out by the National Trust for Historic Preservation .
The bonus is that this framwork is tried and true. It's standardized and adaptable... and currently the city of Minneapolis is funding projects like this through its Great Streets program.
The con (in my mind) is that it doesn't deal with the traffic planning and infrastructure issues that desperately need to be dealt with.
I think it will be quite simple to re-tool the framework to our needs. For the time being we have two main parts to the group; Me on the traffic, safety and environment and Steve on the business environment and development. It's a yin and yang relationship that really seems to work out well for CAU.
A group of 4 volunteers from our last meeting will soon be setting up a meeting to look at the re-working of the policy to see if we can make it work.
We have recently decided that there is a need for an events committee. One thing that many in the group have expressed interest in doing is a corridor cleanup, but there are many other things. A boulevard garden competition/club etc.
We also talked t-shirts. Michelle at dragonfly promotions (and Cedar Ave resident!) is looking into the pricing to get us some lovely green Cedar Ave United! t-shirts. Thank you Michelle, I'm excited to see how this goes. The T-shirts will help identify people handing out information door to door and at events. They will also help increase our visibility when we start organizing events like a cleanup day, or boulevard garden day or whatever we decide to get together.
I'm really excited because green is also my favorite color. Hooray!
Recently found a great tool:
www.seeclickfix.com is a website that allows people to locate a place on a map and post a comment about the area. In this case the site focuses on transportation. Steve B. created a watch site that covers the Cedar Ave corridor. If you follow the watch site you will get a notification whenever a spot is posted withing the selected zone. Here is ours: http://www.seeclickfix.com/watch_area/1076
Read more about how this has been used by other cities here: http://downtownnewhaven.blogspot.com/2009/03/seeclickfix-transportation-safety.html
I encourage everyone to post issues here. It will be an easy way to keep track of what needs doing. It will also help me locate areas that need some serious consideration. Try it, and remember to follow the watch zone if you are interested!
So more will follow, remember to keep an eye on the big website for minutes. I will post something here when they are up.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Announcement 6-23-09
Cedar Ave United Update
June 22, 2009
In our June 3rd meeting we hosted representatives from the Minneapolis city council, Hennepin County Public Works, Minneapolis Public Works, and the Hennepin County Commissioner’s office.
The discussion was very productive. The chaos that is Cedar Avenue in its most southern stretches was apparent to Jim Grube of Hennepin County Public Works. He offered to restripe Cedar Ave from 46th Street to 38th Street to allow for full-time parking lanes. The preliminary planning and data collection began this Monday morning. The restriping was promised to be completed this year.
The issue of roadway noise was also raised. After the meeting, it was indicated in e-mail discussion that Hennepin County is responsible for maintaining legal noise limits on Cedar Ave as outlined in MN statute 116.07 Subd. 2a. Presently, stretches of Cedar Ave exceed legal noise limits.
For full meeting minutes please visit our website: www.cedaraveunited.org
Our next monthly meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 1st at 6:30pm at the Sibley Park Rec Center. We will not host a guest panel like the June meeting. Rather, CAU volunteers and organizers will focus the agenda on:
- Discussing organizing CAU along lines of the Main Street Four-Point Approach and Eight Guiding Principles put out by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
- Developing a plan for greater representation from all neighborhoods bordering Cedar Avenue South. Presently, stretches from 38th Ave to Minnehaha Parkway are most heavily represented. We are looking for greater participation from residents of neighborhoods north of 38th St and South of Minnehaha Parkway.
Cedar Ave United is a group growing in participation and influence. If you live in one of the 11 neighborhoods bordering Cedar Avenue South, we hope you will consider volunteering with ideas or effort in transforming this vital South Minneapolis corridor.
You can find specifics of the meeting location and past meetings minutes at this link:
http://cedaraveunited.org/
Will Peterson
4500 Cedar
Friday, June 19, 2009
Big News, Happy Friday!
Just a quick note on a note from Mr. Jim Grube from Hennepin County Public Works. Many of you that were at the meeting might remember the discussion about parking safety and speed control on Cedar Ave. Mr Grube offered to investigate and paint in much needed parking lanes for the area between 46th street and 38th street. This falls squarly within our short term goals! So Hurray! Good work everyone! I know many of the folks that I have spoken with since the beginning of this effort have expressed their feelings about this issue in this area. Many business owners suggest that their customers park on side streets because of the danger. Hopefully this will be the first step in making Cedar Ave a better place to shop and live (among other things)!!
Here's the letter:
Next week Hennepin will begin an evaluation of the effects of striping the parking lanes of Cedar Avenue between 46th Street and 38th Street. The first step we will take is to put down counter hoses that will help us capture the speed of traffic along that segment of Cedar Avenue. Once we have the information and we feel it is valid we will stripe the parking lanes. We don't have the striping scheduled yet. I'll let you know when it will happen, but be assured it will happen this summer.
Jim
Maybe it's my inability to leave well enough alone, although I think it's my committment to my neighbors and our nieghborhood businesses, but I sent a response letter to make sure that all of our concerns were clear... at least all of those that can be dealt with in this project.
Hello Mr Grube,
Thanks for the update, I know that there will be many happy residents and business owners watching the process out their windows!
When it comes to line striping, are there standard lane widths or are they determined based on the need. I've seen a few places around town (St. Paul included) that have re-striped with narrower lanes possibly to control speeding. (The most effective seem to be paired with bumpout/crosswalks, or course.) I mention this because one of the concerns that has been raised, secondary to speeding, is that the parking south of Minnehaha parkway (around the park) is too narrow to accommodate parked cars and creates a serious safety issue. It seems, according to many studies and publications, that narrower lanes might help slow traffic to within the limit and improve parking safety thus dealing with both complaints. I Figured that I should mention this before things are painted. I know from my work with historic development in Ramsey County that it's far easier to know about these things before the project rather than after it has been completed.
Also, will the information collected be available to our group/general public? We'd be interested to see what the before and after effects are.
Thanks again for the update and your willingness to look into all of this.
Sincerely
Will Peterson
So there you have it. A first physical step. We will have an event when they finish painting the stripes :)
keep an eye out for changes on Cedar, and keep an eye on the blog for the announcement for the upcoming meeting.
Thanks all,
Will
Here's the letter:
Next week Hennepin will begin an evaluation of the effects of striping the parking lanes of Cedar Avenue between 46th Street and 38th Street. The first step we will take is to put down counter hoses that will help us capture the speed of traffic along that segment of Cedar Avenue. Once we have the information and we feel it is valid we will stripe the parking lanes. We don't have the striping scheduled yet. I'll let you know when it will happen, but be assured it will happen this summer.
Jim
Maybe it's my inability to leave well enough alone, although I think it's my committment to my neighbors and our nieghborhood businesses, but I sent a response letter to make sure that all of our concerns were clear... at least all of those that can be dealt with in this project.
Hello Mr Grube,
Thanks for the update, I know that there will be many happy residents and business owners watching the process out their windows!
When it comes to line striping, are there standard lane widths or are they determined based on the need. I've seen a few places around town (St. Paul included) that have re-striped with narrower lanes possibly to control speeding. (The most effective seem to be paired with bumpout/crosswalks, or course.) I mention this because one of the concerns that has been raised, secondary to speeding, is that the parking south of Minnehaha parkway (around the park) is too narrow to accommodate parked cars and creates a serious safety issue. It seems, according to many studies and publications, that narrower lanes might help slow traffic to within the limit and improve parking safety thus dealing with both complaints. I Figured that I should mention this before things are painted. I know from my work with historic development in Ramsey County that it's far easier to know about these things before the project rather than after it has been completed.
Also, will the information collected be available to our group/general public? We'd be interested to see what the before and after effects are.
Thanks again for the update and your willingness to look into all of this.
Sincerely
Will Peterson
So there you have it. A first physical step. We will have an event when they finish painting the stripes :)
keep an eye out for changes on Cedar, and keep an eye on the blog for the announcement for the upcoming meeting.
Thanks all,
Will
Monday, June 15, 2009
June Meeting Minutes
Just a quick note to say that THE JUNE MEETING MINUTES ARE UP!! Feel free to head on over to www.cedaraveunited.org and take a look.
One of the best outcomes of the meeting is that Jim Grube from Hennepin County Public Works has promised to paint parking lanes between 38th and 46th streets!! More on this as it happens, but Hooray!
I would also like to encourage people from the northern part of the corridor to become active in our group if possible. at the moment the attendance is heavily weighted to the southern half of Cedar Ave. The only way to make sure that your area is served right is to involve yourself!
Much more to post later, a hard drive failure has taken me out of the loop for a while.
Thanks for your patience,
Will
One of the best outcomes of the meeting is that Jim Grube from Hennepin County Public Works has promised to paint parking lanes between 38th and 46th streets!! More on this as it happens, but Hooray!
I would also like to encourage people from the northern part of the corridor to become active in our group if possible. at the moment the attendance is heavily weighted to the southern half of Cedar Ave. The only way to make sure that your area is served right is to involve yourself!
Much more to post later, a hard drive failure has taken me out of the loop for a while.
Thanks for your patience,
Will
Friday, June 5, 2009
quick meeting note
Thank you all for the productive meeting!! I think that we managed to get some questions answered (although I know many remain).
we now have a good starting point for assessing what we can do on Cedar. I will be in contact with both Jim (County) and John (City) to follow up with segment designations. From there we can start to form a task force to deal with issues.
For those of you that missed the meeting, stay tuned to the meeting page at Cedar Ave United dot Org. Our minutes will be posted soon.
Hope to see you all again next month so we can start to actively improve out collective neighborhood!
Will
we now have a good starting point for assessing what we can do on Cedar. I will be in contact with both Jim (County) and John (City) to follow up with segment designations. From there we can start to form a task force to deal with issues.
For those of you that missed the meeting, stay tuned to the meeting page at Cedar Ave United dot Org. Our minutes will be posted soon.
Hope to see you all again next month so we can start to actively improve out collective neighborhood!
Will
Monday, June 1, 2009
Meeting Announcement:
Big meeting on it's way! Wednesday June 3rd (this Wednesday).
I have a couple of things to put out there. One of them is a draft of the Agenda:
Welcome/Introduction (Start 6:30pm, Sibley Park Community Center, 1900 East 40th Street -Multipurpose room)
-Will – quick history of the group
-Anyone else from CAU?
(10-15 min?)
-Introduction of quests – Hen. County Public Works, Commissioners Office, City Council Members – Each introduce themselves and give their interest in meeting (?)
(5 min?)
-Hennepin County Public Works – description of the roadway and a rundown of what has been done/is being done on the roadway.
(10-15 min)
-Hennepin County and City council - response to pre-submitted questions.
(30 min?)
-Open question, dialogue etc.
-Projected end time 8:00 pm
AND here is a list of the submitted questions, in no particular order:
Questions for June 3rd meeting:
-Which Hennepin county roads in Mpls are rated for the same traffic load as Cedar Ave?
-How does the traffic volume on Cedar compare to these same-rated roads?
-Might any of these same-rated roads provide a model for how a Cedar Ave road and business
corridor might look?
-Does the county consider Cedar Ave’s highest purpose to move traffic through Mpls or move traffic into and out of adjoining neighborhoods? Put another way, should Cedar Ave look and perform more like 35W or more like stretches of either Nicollet or Lyndale in So Mpls?
-What type of a road is Cedar Ave; what are the defining features of that grade of road (arterial, collector etc)?
-What is the current timeline for maintenance on Cedar Ave.?
-Does this take into consideration the changing conditions created by over capacity traffic and heavy MNdot traffic?
-Are there are any significant plans to improve safety on Cedar Ave – structural, enforcement, cameras, otherwise?
-What sorts of things have been done to Cedar to control traffic?
-What sorts of things can be done about vehicle safety?
-What sorts of things can be done about vehicle noise (leq 71+)?
-Can improvements be made in the name of the newly adopted complete streets policy?
-What sorts of devices (speed tables, bump/bulb-outs etc) are being used elsewhere in Hennepin County?
-Where does the county stand on using roundabouts?
-Could temporary solutions be used until permanent work can be done (i.e. temporary rubber curb bumpouts, etc)?
-Can studies be done to determine the environmental impact of overcapacity traffic on Cedar Ave?
-Who does environmental studies in this situation? (Noise, etc)
-Who does traffic studies in this situation?
-How do we get these studies underway?
-Who enforces state roadway noise standards on county roads?
-Can the dedicated parking lane be delineated between Minnehaha Parkway and 42nd Street?
-How can pedestrian crossings be made safer for neighborhoods?
-Why is the speed limit by the park 35 when all other roads on park are 25?
-Who enforces speed laws on county roads?
-Are there any restrictions on Heavy industrial traffic and 18 wheelers in residential areas? (time restrictions etc.)
-Can we increase enforcement?
-Do we know of any plans for a left turn arrow at 42nd & Cedar with the addition of a left turn lane on Cedar?
-What can we do/what will it take to make the same changes on Cedar Ave as were made on Lyndale Ave.
- Can paint be used as a traffic calming technique?
- Additional speed limit signs?
- Can trash cans be added to make the street more pedestrian friendly?
-Can a dedicated left turn lane (or roundabout) be put in at Fat Lorenzo’s in the northbound Cedar Ave?
-Would the county/city reconsider a prior proposal to redesign the Cedar/Edgewater intersection?
- Cedar does not seem to be an adequate thoroughfare for four lanes of traffic north of Lake Street. Can the street be reconfigured similar to 50th Street in SW Minneapolis and Lexington Ave in Saint Paul?
Sorry for the long post... Just wanted to make certain that all of this info was available prior to the meeting. If you have any additions feel free to bring them up in the open questions period of the meeting. At this point I don't expect all the questions to be answered, as many of them may be important questions for a later date. This material may change between now and Wednesday, but not too much.
I expect this to be a very useful conversation and hope that all of you will attend! Thanks!!
Will
Big meeting on it's way! Wednesday June 3rd (this Wednesday).
I have a couple of things to put out there. One of them is a draft of the Agenda:
Welcome/Introduction (Start 6:30pm, Sibley Park Community Center, 1900 East 40th Street -Multipurpose room)
-Will – quick history of the group
-Anyone else from CAU?
(10-15 min?)
-Introduction of quests – Hen. County Public Works, Commissioners Office, City Council Members – Each introduce themselves and give their interest in meeting (?)
(5 min?)
-Hennepin County Public Works – description of the roadway and a rundown of what has been done/is being done on the roadway.
(10-15 min)
-Hennepin County and City council - response to pre-submitted questions.
(30 min?)
-Open question, dialogue etc.
-Projected end time 8:00 pm
AND here is a list of the submitted questions, in no particular order:
Questions for June 3rd meeting:
-Which Hennepin county roads in Mpls are rated for the same traffic load as Cedar Ave?
-How does the traffic volume on Cedar compare to these same-rated roads?
-Might any of these same-rated roads provide a model for how a Cedar Ave road and business
corridor might look?
-Does the county consider Cedar Ave’s highest purpose to move traffic through Mpls or move traffic into and out of adjoining neighborhoods? Put another way, should Cedar Ave look and perform more like 35W or more like stretches of either Nicollet or Lyndale in So Mpls?
-What type of a road is Cedar Ave; what are the defining features of that grade of road (arterial, collector etc)?
-What is the current timeline for maintenance on Cedar Ave.?
-Does this take into consideration the changing conditions created by over capacity traffic and heavy MNdot traffic?
-Are there are any significant plans to improve safety on Cedar Ave – structural, enforcement, cameras, otherwise?
-What sorts of things have been done to Cedar to control traffic?
-What sorts of things can be done about vehicle safety?
-What sorts of things can be done about vehicle noise (leq 71+)?
-Can improvements be made in the name of the newly adopted complete streets policy?
-What sorts of devices (speed tables, bump/bulb-outs etc) are being used elsewhere in Hennepin County?
-Where does the county stand on using roundabouts?
-Could temporary solutions be used until permanent work can be done (i.e. temporary rubber curb bumpouts, etc)?
-Can studies be done to determine the environmental impact of overcapacity traffic on Cedar Ave?
-Who does environmental studies in this situation? (Noise, etc)
-Who does traffic studies in this situation?
-How do we get these studies underway?
-Who enforces state roadway noise standards on county roads?
-Can the dedicated parking lane be delineated between Minnehaha Parkway and 42nd Street?
-How can pedestrian crossings be made safer for neighborhoods?
-Why is the speed limit by the park 35 when all other roads on park are 25?
-Who enforces speed laws on county roads?
-Are there any restrictions on Heavy industrial traffic and 18 wheelers in residential areas? (time restrictions etc.)
-Can we increase enforcement?
-Do we know of any plans for a left turn arrow at 42nd & Cedar with the addition of a left turn lane on Cedar?
-What can we do/what will it take to make the same changes on Cedar Ave as were made on Lyndale Ave.
- Can paint be used as a traffic calming technique?
- Additional speed limit signs?
- Can trash cans be added to make the street more pedestrian friendly?
-Can a dedicated left turn lane (or roundabout) be put in at Fat Lorenzo’s in the northbound Cedar Ave?
-Would the county/city reconsider a prior proposal to redesign the Cedar/Edgewater intersection?
- Cedar does not seem to be an adequate thoroughfare for four lanes of traffic north of Lake Street. Can the street be reconfigured similar to 50th Street in SW Minneapolis and Lexington Ave in Saint Paul?
Sorry for the long post... Just wanted to make certain that all of this info was available prior to the meeting. If you have any additions feel free to bring them up in the open questions period of the meeting. At this point I don't expect all the questions to be answered, as many of them may be important questions for a later date. This material may change between now and Wednesday, but not too much.
I expect this to be a very useful conversation and hope that all of you will attend! Thanks!!
Will
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
June 3rd meeting Questions
Hello All,
Here is a list of questions received so far for our upcoming meeting. I invite all of you to add to this in the comment section. If you're quick I can get it out this evening, otherwise I will keep track of them and bring them up at the discussion.
Remember, June 3rd, 6:30, Sibley Park Community Center
Questions for June 3rd meeting:
-What type of a road is Cedar Ave; what are the defining features of that grade of road (arterial, collector etc)?
-What is the current timeline for maintenance on Cedar Ave.?
-Does this take into consideration the changing conditions created by over capacity traffic and heavy MNdot traffic?
-What sorts of things have been done to Cedar to control traffic?
-What sorts of things can be done about vehicle safety
-What sorts of things can be done about vehicle noise (leq 71+)
-Can improvements be made in the name of the newly adopted complete streets policy
-What sorts of devices (speed tables, bump/bulb-outs etc) are being used elsewhere in Hennepin County?
-Where does the county stand on using roundabouts?
-Could temporary solutions be used until permanent work can be done (i.e. temporary rubber curb bumpouts, etc).
-Can studies be done to determine the environmental impact of overcapacity traffic on Cedar Ave?
-Who does environmental studies in this situation? (Noise, etc)
-Who does traffic studies in this situation?
-Who enforces state roadway noise standards on county roads
-Can the dedicated parking lane be delineated between Minnehaha Parkway and 42nd Street?
-How can pedestrian crossings be made safer for neighborhoods without stop lights
-Why is the speed limit by the park 35 when all other roads on park are 25?
-Who enforces speed laws on county roads?
-Can we increase enforcement?
-Do we know of any plans for a left turn arrow at 42nd & Cedar with the addition of a left turn lane on Cedar ?
Here is a list of questions received so far for our upcoming meeting. I invite all of you to add to this in the comment section. If you're quick I can get it out this evening, otherwise I will keep track of them and bring them up at the discussion.
Remember, June 3rd, 6:30, Sibley Park Community Center
Questions for June 3rd meeting:
-What type of a road is Cedar Ave; what are the defining features of that grade of road (arterial, collector etc)?
-What is the current timeline for maintenance on Cedar Ave.?
-Does this take into consideration the changing conditions created by over capacity traffic and heavy MNdot traffic?
-What sorts of things have been done to Cedar to control traffic?
-What sorts of things can be done about vehicle safety
-What sorts of things can be done about vehicle noise (leq 71+)
-Can improvements be made in the name of the newly adopted complete streets policy
-What sorts of devices (speed tables, bump/bulb-outs etc) are being used elsewhere in Hennepin County?
-Where does the county stand on using roundabouts?
-Could temporary solutions be used until permanent work can be done (i.e. temporary rubber curb bumpouts, etc).
-Can studies be done to determine the environmental impact of overcapacity traffic on Cedar Ave?
-Who does environmental studies in this situation? (Noise, etc)
-Who does traffic studies in this situation?
-Who enforces state roadway noise standards on county roads
-Can the dedicated parking lane be delineated between Minnehaha Parkway and 42nd Street?
-How can pedestrian crossings be made safer for neighborhoods without stop lights
-Why is the speed limit by the park 35 when all other roads on park are 25?
-Who enforces speed laws on county roads?
-Can we increase enforcement?
-Do we know of any plans for a left turn arrow at 42nd & Cedar with the addition of a left turn lane on Cedar ?
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Saturday, May 23, 2009
They're Here!
I have fliers available for door to door distribution!! A great BIG box of them thanks to John at Spillane Printing!!!
For those of you interested in getting a few just e-mail me at Cedartraffic@gmail.com. There are certainly enough to go around, just make sure to let me know where you want to cover so we don't get an overlap in distribution.
Only a little over a week to go until the next meeting (the one with the county and city represented)
Hope to hear from a bunch of you!
Will
4500 Cedar
For those of you interested in getting a few just e-mail me at Cedartraffic@gmail.com. There are certainly enough to go around, just make sure to let me know where you want to cover so we don't get an overlap in distribution.
Only a little over a week to go until the next meeting (the one with the county and city represented)
Hope to hear from a bunch of you!
Will
4500 Cedar
Friday, May 22, 2009
Short Article, worth a look
Here' an interesting post. It's not just about jaywalking, it's about the development of traffic vs pedestrian laws from the dawn of the auto age. It's a well cited look at how streets went from multi-modal by design to cars only. It's a good one to think about. Worth a read on this pre-holiday Friday:
Jaywalking crackdown: What’s the goal?
Jaywalking crackdown: What’s the goal?
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Another RSVP
I just received an RSVP from Council member Sandra Colvin-Roy. We will look forward to her joining in our conversation on June 3rd! Thank you!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Distribution
Just a note: a printable version of the brochure is up on the website www.cedaraveunited.org under 'Taking Action". Or just follow this link. Feel free to print and distribute to people you think (or know) would be interested supporting our cause!
Thanks Steve for putting this together!
Thanks Steve for putting this together!
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Weekend Update
an update of sorts, for those interested.
We're awaiting our printed material for door to door distribution. I will put out an announcement when it's ready, we could use a few more volunteers to hand stuff out. I'll buy everyone who volunteers coffee at Sister Sludge! (that goes for everyone at the meeting that already signed up)
So far for the next meeting I have confirmations from Hennepin Co. Public Works, Katie Hatt (for Com. McLaughlin - she has been a great participant!) Scott Benson, Elizabeth Glidden, and John Quincy.
I have NOT heard from, but have attempted to contact Sandy Colvin Roy and Gary Schiff. I would love to have everyone there, but I understand the logistic involved. Since I don't live in their districts, I may not hold as much political oomph as I need, but I encourage anyone that IS in their area to contact them and invite them again.
For weekend interest, here is a blog that I have been reading. It's been pretty interesting and influential in the way that I feel about planning and development:
http://hubandspokes.blogspot.com/
it's a local blog with national (and international) coverage. Well worth going through past posts.
Also, I like the streetsblog: http://www.streetsblog.org/ It's a bit removed from Mpls/St. Paul, but relevant and worth a read.
and a few more I found today (this is what I will be looking at until it's warmer :)
http://carfreempls.blogspot.com/ (though our project is not a carfree project by ANY means)
http://netdensityblog.slotterback.net/
Anyone have any other suggestions for further reading??
Will
We're awaiting our printed material for door to door distribution. I will put out an announcement when it's ready, we could use a few more volunteers to hand stuff out. I'll buy everyone who volunteers coffee at Sister Sludge! (that goes for everyone at the meeting that already signed up)
So far for the next meeting I have confirmations from Hennepin Co. Public Works, Katie Hatt (for Com. McLaughlin - she has been a great participant!) Scott Benson, Elizabeth Glidden, and John Quincy.
I have NOT heard from, but have attempted to contact Sandy Colvin Roy and Gary Schiff. I would love to have everyone there, but I understand the logistic involved. Since I don't live in their districts, I may not hold as much political oomph as I need, but I encourage anyone that IS in their area to contact them and invite them again.
For weekend interest, here is a blog that I have been reading. It's been pretty interesting and influential in the way that I feel about planning and development:
http://hubandspokes.blogspot.com/
it's a local blog with national (and international) coverage. Well worth going through past posts.
Also, I like the streetsblog: http://www.streetsblog.org/ It's a bit removed from Mpls/St. Paul, but relevant and worth a read.
and a few more I found today (this is what I will be looking at until it's warmer :)
http://carfreempls.blogspot.com/ (though our project is not a carfree project by ANY means)
http://netdensityblog.slotterback.net/
Anyone have any other suggestions for further reading??
Will
Monday, May 11, 2009
Here's a quick list of potential talking point for our MEETING WITH PUBLIC WORKS ON JUNE 3RD, WHICH IS OPEN TO ALL THAT ARE INTERESTED. The idea of the following list is to explore what is wrong, how it can be fixed (possibly) and other examples of this issue around the cities.
One example of where devices for traffic taming are being actively installed into retrofitted roadways is Richfield. 66th Street, which runs East/West near the Target/Home Depot complex, carries about the same traffic load as Cedar and is being fitted with roundabouts. Roundabouts have been proposed in the past for Edgwater Blvd. Roundabout have been also been implemented at the intersection of Portland and 66th where the traffic load is roughly 15,000 from Portland and 13,000 from 66th.
The average (based on pre redesign MNDot numbers) on Cedar is 16,250 with a high/low ranging from 19,400 to 14,300. Lyndale, by comparison is 14,075 ranging from 17,000 to 11,100
Marshall and Lexington Avenues in St Paul have undergone some serious, though more conventional, calming measures. Lane reductions, protected parking, bike lanes and street painting are among the improvements.
Franklin Ave too is undergoing a major facelift in order to revive its local commercial nodes. Changes include protected street parking, pavement painting, signage and bike lanes.
As far as other examples of freeway to residential shifts the only other example in our area (that I can locate) is Lyndale Avenue. Lyndale Avenue, according to MNDot traffic volume numbers, carries slightly LESS traffic on a larger roadbed than Cedar Ave. prior to the redesign.
Compared to Cedar, Hiawatha Ave, which is a wide, multilane 45 mph thoroughfare, carries only 35% more traffic than the 1 lane portion of Cedar Avenue, a residential and light commercial corridor.
Of the former trunk highways within Hennepin county, almost all have undergone major infrastructure transformation since their days as a state route. With the redesign of Lyndale all are now either low to medium capacity city streets or freeways.
For reference, historic Summit Ave in St. Paul was once a trunk highway.
Editorial/disclaimer:
As always it is important to note that the goal of this project is NOT to reduce cars on Cedar Ave. The idea is to tame out of control traffic through different means. Cedar is, always has been and always will be a main South Minneapolis street. It should not, however, be an unregulated and unplanned freeway through a series of residential, recreational and park areas. All previous planning has stated this fact, though none have ever gone far enough to actually control the variables.
The original planning documents for the Mpls freeway system states that the function of roads such as Cedar is to allow local traffic to access nearby destinations and allow for freeway access. The later design connecting a 55 mph, 4 lane freeway directly to a 30mph, 2 lane City Street did not seem to take this into consideration.
So ADD YOUR THOUGHTS HERE. Questions collected over the next month can be presented at the meeting. The answers will be posted on our website www.cedaraveunited.org . Feel free to submit by comment OR join our list serve at: http://cedaraveunited.onlinegroups.net/
One example of where devices for traffic taming are being actively installed into retrofitted roadways is Richfield. 66th Street, which runs East/West near the Target/Home Depot complex, carries about the same traffic load as Cedar and is being fitted with roundabouts. Roundabouts have been proposed in the past for Edgwater Blvd. Roundabout have been also been implemented at the intersection of Portland and 66th where the traffic load is roughly 15,000 from Portland and 13,000 from 66th.
The average (based on pre redesign MNDot numbers) on Cedar is 16,250 with a high/low ranging from 19,400 to 14,300. Lyndale, by comparison is 14,075 ranging from 17,000 to 11,100
Marshall and Lexington Avenues in St Paul have undergone some serious, though more conventional, calming measures. Lane reductions, protected parking, bike lanes and street painting are among the improvements.
Franklin Ave too is undergoing a major facelift in order to revive its local commercial nodes. Changes include protected street parking, pavement painting, signage and bike lanes.
As far as other examples of freeway to residential shifts the only other example in our area (that I can locate) is Lyndale Avenue. Lyndale Avenue, according to MNDot traffic volume numbers, carries slightly LESS traffic on a larger roadbed than Cedar Ave. prior to the redesign.
Compared to Cedar, Hiawatha Ave, which is a wide, multilane 45 mph thoroughfare, carries only 35% more traffic than the 1 lane portion of Cedar Avenue, a residential and light commercial corridor.
Of the former trunk highways within Hennepin county, almost all have undergone major infrastructure transformation since their days as a state route. With the redesign of Lyndale all are now either low to medium capacity city streets or freeways.
For reference, historic Summit Ave in St. Paul was once a trunk highway.
Editorial/disclaimer:
As always it is important to note that the goal of this project is NOT to reduce cars on Cedar Ave. The idea is to tame out of control traffic through different means. Cedar is, always has been and always will be a main South Minneapolis street. It should not, however, be an unregulated and unplanned freeway through a series of residential, recreational and park areas. All previous planning has stated this fact, though none have ever gone far enough to actually control the variables.
The original planning documents for the Mpls freeway system states that the function of roads such as Cedar is to allow local traffic to access nearby destinations and allow for freeway access. The later design connecting a 55 mph, 4 lane freeway directly to a 30mph, 2 lane City Street did not seem to take this into consideration.
So ADD YOUR THOUGHTS HERE. Questions collected over the next month can be presented at the meeting. The answers will be posted on our website www.cedaraveunited.org . Feel free to submit by comment OR join our list serve at: http://cedaraveunited.onlinegroups.net/
Friday, May 8, 2009
Wednesday's meeting was a productive one. When minutes are available they will be posted at the website www.cedaraveunited.org
Next month we will have the opportunity to hear from the Hennepin County Public Works Department on issues relating to Cedar Ave. We are currently collection questions from resident and business/property owners through our online discussion page http://www.cedaraveunited.org/joinus.html Community members are invited to join the conversation by signing up to the page and submitting questions. Big Special Thanks to Katie Hatt from Peter McLaughlin's office for setting this meeting up for us!
If people do plan to attend it would be FABULOUS (recommended but not required) if they would e-mail me at cedartraffic@gmail.com so I can make sure that we have a large enough meeting space.
Also, if you are on Facebook, you might want to join our group! Isn't the internet neat?
Next month we will have the opportunity to hear from the Hennepin County Public Works Department on issues relating to Cedar Ave. We are currently collection questions from resident and business/property owners through our online discussion page http://www.cedaraveunited.org/joinus.html Community members are invited to join the conversation by signing up to the page and submitting questions. Big Special Thanks to Katie Hatt from Peter McLaughlin's office for setting this meeting up for us!
If people do plan to attend it would be FABULOUS (recommended but not required) if they would e-mail me at cedartraffic@gmail.com so I can make sure that we have a large enough meeting space.
Also, if you are on Facebook, you might want to join our group! Isn't the internet neat?
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Borrow $$ from Big Brother?
Wow, here's one way to make up the budget deficit! Take a look at the amount of $$ generated by these things!
http://www.wtop.com/?nid=30&sid=1655198
Revenue like that would pay for a total redesign of Cedar in a couple years or less... leaving the rest as financial gravy! Delicious, delicious gravy.
http://www.wtop.com/?nid=30&sid=1655198
Revenue like that would pay for a total redesign of Cedar in a couple years or less... leaving the rest as financial gravy! Delicious, delicious gravy.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Another Meeting Worth Attending:
I like how Standish-Ericsson has paired business development with transportation. In our area they are so closely linked! I hope that we are able to include more of our Cedar Corridor Businesses.
Got this from Shirley Yeoman just now:
The BDT (Business Development-Transportation) committee will meet this Thursday at 6:30 at the SENA office.
--
Shirley Yeoman : SENA - Standish-Ericsson Neighborhood Association 612-721-1601
Got this from Shirley Yeoman just now:
The BDT (Business Development-Transportation) committee will meet this Thursday at 6:30 at the SENA office.
Agenda items include:
- Update on bike racks
- Update on RiverLake Greenway
- Update on neighborhood development issues
- Great Streets Business Support Grant - Discussion and beginning work on scope of services to contract SENA NPR funds that will provide our commitment to the project with Redesign
See you on Thursday!
-- shirley--
Shirley Yeoman : SENA - Standish-Ericsson Neighborhood Association 612-721-1601
Monday, May 4, 2009
Hennepin Co. Complete Streets! May Meeting!!
This has been bouncing around the city in a number of different forums, but it's worth repeating.
Hennepin county is adopting a complete street policy. Here is a link to the actual language
This is extremely encouraging since the complete street policy basically advocates for all the changes-updates-planning that we have been discussing since September 2008. I found this at the Transit for Livable Communities page... and remembered hearing about this earlier from Katie Hatt at Peter McLaughlin's office. Katie has been present at a few of our meetings. I sure hope that we can keep her attention :)
My question now is: can we apply this to all streets?? or just the new ones...
Tomorrow is our May meeting. Please join us at the Sibley Park Community Center at 6:30:
View Larger Map
Hope to see y'all there!
Will
4500 Cedar
Hennepin county is adopting a complete street policy. Here is a link to the actual language
This is extremely encouraging since the complete street policy basically advocates for all the changes-updates-planning that we have been discussing since September 2008. I found this at the Transit for Livable Communities page... and remembered hearing about this earlier from Katie Hatt at Peter McLaughlin's office. Katie has been present at a few of our meetings. I sure hope that we can keep her attention :)
My question now is: can we apply this to all streets?? or just the new ones...
Tomorrow is our May meeting. Please join us at the Sibley Park Community Center at 6:30:
View Larger Map
Hope to see y'all there!
Will
4500 Cedar
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Life Out Of Balance
A hierarchical classification of roadways. Classification involves determining what function each roadway should perform before determining street widths, speed limits and other design features as well as operational characteristics of a street.
This is pulled directly from the City of Minneapolis website. I think this shows exactly why we have a serious problem with our roadway. Cedar is a type 'A' minor arterial and we are allowing it to be misused. We are not using it for local trips (patronizing local business etc) it's being used by commuters for long trips from the burbs. many people who would use it regularly for short trips are pushed to the other, smaller streets, and misusing them (unfortunately). This is pushing everything in our ENTIRE AREA out of wack. So issues on nearby, once quiet, residential roads are likely related to Cedar. Getting this monster road back on track is a big deal. It will restore the balance and encourage using Cedar as it was intended. By encouraging local traffic and shorter trips we can do a number of things:
-save on gas
-emphasize transit
-ENCOURAGE LOCAL BUSINESS
-reduce through traffic and related issues (crime both vehicular and otherwise, litter... decreasing traffic slightly should make it far easier to enforce don't you think?)
-increase the lifespan of the roadbed
-preserve and encourage use of beautiful local park areas (Powederhorn, Corcoran, Sibley, McRae and Nokomis
-Reduce toxic roadway runoff into Lake Nokomis, Minnehaha Creek and by extension, the MS River
I have to emphasize again what an important road Cedar is, and has always been. But in this case we are suffering from the effects of 50 years worth of poorly planned development. Too many people useing a local road when they should use the freeway (this happened WAY before the crosstown project began) and let's not kid ourselves, they aren't headed to Cedar Small Engine, Candy Jar or any of the other fantastic businesses along Cedar, they're headed to work or home. The chance of them stopping, and adding time to thier alreay long commute, is unlikey. So, now we have a chance to fix it. How does it go: "We can rebuild him - We have the technology..." well it's true, we do. But apathy won't do it, even a little bit of effort can do a lot. (that was my pitch)
There will be a short meeting this coming Wednesday, May 6th. We will discuss handing out materials to the neighborhoods. We've got a lot of ground to cover, so even if you can help get a flier to one neighbor, that'll do. Besides the weather is starting to improve and this might give you a food reason for a walk.
Here's the place:
View Larger Map
hope to see you there!!
Principal Arterial: The metropolitan highway system is made up of the principal arterials in the region. Principal arterials include all interstate freeways. These roads only connect with other freeways, principal arterials and minor arterials and collectors. The emphasis is on mobility, not access.
Minor Arterial: Minor arterial streets connect major generators within central business districts and regional business concentrations. The emphasis of minor arterials is on mobility as opposed to access in the urban area. The minor arterial should connect to principal arterials, other minor arterials and collectors. Connection to some local streets is acceptable. Minor arterials should service medium to short trips.
Collector: The collector system provides connections between neighborhoods, and from neighborhoods to minor business concentrations. Mobility and land access are equally important. Direct land access should be predominantly to development connections. Typically, collectors serve short trips of one to four miles.
Local Streets: Local streets connect blocks and land parcels. The primary emphasis is on land access. In most cases, local streets will connect to other local streets and collectors; occasionally, they will connect to minor arterials. Local streets serve short trips at low speeds.
This is pulled directly from the City of Minneapolis website. I think this shows exactly why we have a serious problem with our roadway. Cedar is a type 'A' minor arterial and we are allowing it to be misused. We are not using it for local trips (patronizing local business etc) it's being used by commuters for long trips from the burbs. many people who would use it regularly for short trips are pushed to the other, smaller streets, and misusing them (unfortunately). This is pushing everything in our ENTIRE AREA out of wack. So issues on nearby, once quiet, residential roads are likely related to Cedar. Getting this monster road back on track is a big deal. It will restore the balance and encourage using Cedar as it was intended. By encouraging local traffic and shorter trips we can do a number of things:
-save on gas
-emphasize transit
-ENCOURAGE LOCAL BUSINESS
-reduce through traffic and related issues (crime both vehicular and otherwise, litter... decreasing traffic slightly should make it far easier to enforce don't you think?)
-increase the lifespan of the roadbed
-preserve and encourage use of beautiful local park areas (Powederhorn, Corcoran, Sibley, McRae and Nokomis
-Reduce toxic roadway runoff into Lake Nokomis, Minnehaha Creek and by extension, the MS River
I have to emphasize again what an important road Cedar is, and has always been. But in this case we are suffering from the effects of 50 years worth of poorly planned development. Too many people useing a local road when they should use the freeway (this happened WAY before the crosstown project began) and let's not kid ourselves, they aren't headed to Cedar Small Engine, Candy Jar or any of the other fantastic businesses along Cedar, they're headed to work or home. The chance of them stopping, and adding time to thier alreay long commute, is unlikey. So, now we have a chance to fix it. How does it go: "We can rebuild him - We have the technology..." well it's true, we do. But apathy won't do it, even a little bit of effort can do a lot. (that was my pitch)
There will be a short meeting this coming Wednesday, May 6th. We will discuss handing out materials to the neighborhoods. We've got a lot of ground to cover, so even if you can help get a flier to one neighbor, that'll do. Besides the weather is starting to improve and this might give you a food reason for a walk.
Here's the place:
View Larger Map
hope to see you there!!
Your health at risk
As per usual I am in search of more professionally collected research material. I happened across this on:
http://journals.lww.com/epidem/Abstract/2009/03000/Long_Term_Exposure_to_Road_Traffic_Noise_and.20.aspx
As you read this abstract, be sure to remember that the Cedar Leq was in excess of 70... So, people who live around loud traffic are more likely to have myocardial infarction... heart attacks.
Does this make our project a public health issue? There are an awful lot of people that live on or near Cedar.
So here is my smart ass question of the day: Would people concerned about slow ambulance response time due to backed up traffic have to worry as much (because they might be less at risk for a heart attack) if the traffic was quieter?
also:
Does this mean that a better designed road would actually improve the health of the people living on or near it? It's an interesting thought.
http://journals.lww.com/epidem/Abstract/2009/03000/Long_Term_Exposure_to_Road_Traffic_Noise_and.20.aspx
As you read this abstract, be sure to remember that the Cedar Leq was in excess of 70... So, people who live around loud traffic are more likely to have myocardial infarction... heart attacks.
Does this make our project a public health issue? There are an awful lot of people that live on or near Cedar.
So here is my smart ass question of the day: Would people concerned about slow ambulance response time due to backed up traffic have to worry as much (because they might be less at risk for a heart attack) if the traffic was quieter?
also:
Does this mean that a better designed road would actually improve the health of the people living on or near it? It's an interesting thought.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Borrow $$ from Big Brother?
Wow, here's one way to make up the budget deficit! Take a look at the amount of $$ generated by these things!
http://www.wtop.com/?nid=30&sid=1655198
Revenue like that would pay for a total redesign of Cedar in a couple years or less!
http://www.wtop.com/?nid=30&sid=1655198
Revenue like that would pay for a total redesign of Cedar in a couple years or less!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
looking for sunshine
So maybe all this complaining about what wrong with our streets just isn't going to cut it. As someone who lives on Cedar it tough to get past the traffic crabbies. But I think it's worth while to look at the good things that we want to accomplish. I don't mean to be all gloom and doom... There's a huge 'Daisies and Sunshine' aspect to this project... just look at what we want to create with all of this!
-Create and maintain thriving businesses and attract Restaraunts by:
making Cedar a destination (lets think 48th and Chicago.. Or heck, I'll go Grand Ave in St Paul)
Am I on the right track? All these things are VERY do-able, we just need a little more participation. I think we've covered most of these in our wish lists, but the bear repeating. I invite everyone to close their eyes and picture what they would like to see.
Anyone else have a utopian view they would like to share?
-Create and maintain thriving businesses and attract Restaraunts by:
making Cedar a destination (lets think 48th and Chicago.. Or heck, I'll go Grand Ave in St Paul)
- Reconnect Neighborhoods with the parks... safely
- Take full advantage of our transit options by making it feasible to walk, bike, bus or drive to your local businesses... also make it easier for people to get to our businesses.
- Make it safe to ride your bike up Cedar to the Midtown Farmers Market
- Create transit hubs with bike lockers (at business/transit nodes and parks?) to encourage and enable multi modal transit
- Establish safe parking zones for residents and businesses... so you don't have to worry about losing your mirror by parking in front of your house OR, you don't have to worry about your customers getting mashed on their way into your establishment
- Identify neighborhood commercial areas with signage and other hub-specific features
- -Re-greening the treeless parts of Cedar
- -Create greening incentives for people to use their front yards (Rain Gardens, native prairie gardens, etc. etc.)
- improve the street-scape by landscaping new features like curb bump-outs to protect parking
- signage, banners, improved street lighting, streetscape themes (landscaping, bus stops etc)
Am I on the right track? All these things are VERY do-able, we just need a little more participation. I think we've covered most of these in our wish lists, but the bear repeating. I invite everyone to close their eyes and picture what they would like to see.
Anyone else have a utopian view they would like to share?
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
New Leaf
Since we now have a website to give meeting times/places and minutes, I have decided to use this blog as a resource and sounding board... and editorialized source for links and sites related to urban (re)design and traffic calming. And I want to know what people are thinking about Cedar Avenue and how we can make it better. At the same time, expect an activist tone. From this point on this blog is not necessarily the voice of Cedar Ave. United, but one voice in the many involved. I encourage everyone to look into the public forum attached to our website. So, without further ado:
I've been thinking a lot recently about what could be some potential fixes for our road (go figure). I've been reading articles on taming, calming, redesigning and rethinking. I've looked at speed tables and roundabouts etc trying to find something that seems like a good fit for our situation. There have been a few ideas that really stand out in my mind.
Of course the complete streets policy is an obvious first choice. Really, who wouldn't want to make a residential city street (identified as residential by the Access Mpls 10 year action plan) more livable? Go look at complete streets: http://completestreets.org/ They have it together. I have been told that Hennepin County has worked with this group before and will work with them in the future. That's a good sign. It's time to look at rethinking the way we use our urban neighborhood streets... There's a lot more than just cars that use them. They are more than 'short cuts' from the burbs to downtown. (granted they are a legitimate and important route... just not a shortcut. Allowing them to be used as unregulated freeway alternatives will continue to erode the neighborhoods the run through... more on this later)
There's the concept of a 'Road Diet' which was a phrase coined some time ago. It's wonder that it hasn't caught on.. at least not around here. It even has a wikipedia entry: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Road_diet This alone would help to curb some of the dangerous driving. Heck, painting lines (and putting out a few cops) might even do it! But we still need to look long term, while still fixing the problem in the short term. We still have people that are too concerned to park in parking lane in front of their house. I don't think that's OK, what about you?
OK, so all these ideas are great and appeal to residents and businesses, but where is the incentive for the county/city? Right now, with our budget issues (all around) it's tough to look at fixing something big like Cedar Ave without some sort of fiscal incentive. Well, here's one: http://www.usroads.com/journals/p/rej/9710/re971004.htm I read this article last week and have been thinking about it ever since. I would suggest reading the whole thing if you are interested but here's the general idea:
Road noise affects property value (duh). This article presents a formula that can be used to estimate the impact. It gives it in dollars and cents, it's a useful tool. It's easy to see that the city could benefit in the not-so-long-term just through increased tax revenue. Residents are immediately reimbursed with a much higher quality of life etc.
As mentioned in previous minute notes, the only available sound level test on Cedar Ave shows a reading of 71; MN state law dictates that 65 is the acceptable limit. Of course we're also significantly over capacity (according to Access Minneapolis) pair that with unregulated speeding and you've likely got the source of the problem.
Anyone who has EVER dealt with airport noise issues knows what this is like, but the airport is intermittent, and dies off at night. In this case there are no [enforced*] time restrictions on roads. This study actually puts a price tag on each loud vehicle that uses the road. On my neck of Cedar the lost value appears to be somewhere between 8,000 and 25,000 per structure... based on the cities tax values. (these numbers don't include the $ amount for large trucks... of which there are many) Factor in the lakes and other attractions I'm sure it's much higher. Throw in the fact that businesses in calmed areas do better and even Thrive... this is a no brainer.
In a city that's really hurting from foreclosures and lost tax revenue this could really help justify calming Cedar Ave.
Any thoughts?? lets take this to the forum: http://cedaraveunited.onlinegroups.net/
I want to know what people think. Please chime in.
Will
4500 Cedar
I've been thinking a lot recently about what could be some potential fixes for our road (go figure). I've been reading articles on taming, calming, redesigning and rethinking. I've looked at speed tables and roundabouts etc trying to find something that seems like a good fit for our situation. There have been a few ideas that really stand out in my mind.
Of course the complete streets policy is an obvious first choice. Really, who wouldn't want to make a residential city street (identified as residential by the Access Mpls 10 year action plan) more livable? Go look at complete streets: http://completestreets.org/ They have it together. I have been told that Hennepin County has worked with this group before and will work with them in the future. That's a good sign. It's time to look at rethinking the way we use our urban neighborhood streets... There's a lot more than just cars that use them. They are more than 'short cuts' from the burbs to downtown. (granted they are a legitimate and important route... just not a shortcut. Allowing them to be used as unregulated freeway alternatives will continue to erode the neighborhoods the run through... more on this later)
There's the concept of a 'Road Diet' which was a phrase coined some time ago. It's wonder that it hasn't caught on.. at least not around here. It even has a wikipedia entry: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Road_diet This alone would help to curb some of the dangerous driving. Heck, painting lines (and putting out a few cops) might even do it! But we still need to look long term, while still fixing the problem in the short term. We still have people that are too concerned to park in parking lane in front of their house. I don't think that's OK, what about you?
OK, so all these ideas are great and appeal to residents and businesses, but where is the incentive for the county/city? Right now, with our budget issues (all around) it's tough to look at fixing something big like Cedar Ave without some sort of fiscal incentive. Well, here's one: http://www.usroads.com/journals/p/rej/9710/re971004.htm I read this article last week and have been thinking about it ever since. I would suggest reading the whole thing if you are interested but here's the general idea:
Road noise affects property value (duh). This article presents a formula that can be used to estimate the impact. It gives it in dollars and cents, it's a useful tool. It's easy to see that the city could benefit in the not-so-long-term just through increased tax revenue. Residents are immediately reimbursed with a much higher quality of life etc.
As mentioned in previous minute notes, the only available sound level test on Cedar Ave shows a reading of 71; MN state law dictates that 65 is the acceptable limit. Of course we're also significantly over capacity (according to Access Minneapolis) pair that with unregulated speeding and you've likely got the source of the problem.
Anyone who has EVER dealt with airport noise issues knows what this is like, but the airport is intermittent, and dies off at night. In this case there are no [enforced*] time restrictions on roads. This study actually puts a price tag on each loud vehicle that uses the road. On my neck of Cedar the lost value appears to be somewhere between 8,000 and 25,000 per structure... based on the cities tax values. (these numbers don't include the $ amount for large trucks... of which there are many) Factor in the lakes and other attractions I'm sure it's much higher. Throw in the fact that businesses in calmed areas do better and even Thrive... this is a no brainer.
In a city that's really hurting from foreclosures and lost tax revenue this could really help justify calming Cedar Ave.
Any thoughts?? lets take this to the forum: http://cedaraveunited.onlinegroups.net/
I want to know what people think. Please chime in.
Will
4500 Cedar
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Meeting notes 4-1-09 (finally!)
I know I'm a little late with these, but here are the topics discussed at the 4/1/09 meeting of CAU
in attendance: Jim, Kay, Ryan, Will
we also welcomed 2 new people: Andy and Sue
The original topic of discussion was going to be organization of the group, we decided there weren't enough people present to have that discussion.
We dealt a little with short term improvements; since it's now spring we can begin to pursue small, short-term projects. Line painting was mentioned; both center lane and parking. *update: I have communicated this request to Katie Hatt at Peter McLaughlins office.
the conversation switched to livability of neighborhoods and the issue of road noise. One group member was kind enough to take a professional sound reading at 45th and Cedar. Here are the results:
'It looks like the significant numbers are L(eq) = 69.0; L(10) = 72.6; and L(50) = 68.1. For the most part, you're looking at the L(10). Federal Residential Criterion is L(10)=70, Minnesota Residential Criterion is L(10) = 65 Since I measured 72.6, existing noise levels exceed both Federal and MN criteria.'
More long term testing would be necessary to determine the extent to which this is a problem. But many of you that also deal with airplane noise know that these readings indicate a SERIOUS livability issue. These areas would be recipients of full noise mitigation were this an air port noise issue.
Since we had a business representative present we also discussed issues that face businesses.
-Safety and accidents, not necessarily noise are issues facing businesses
-Customer parking and pedestrian safety
-clients and customers should be able to safely get to the businesses by car, bike, bus and foot.
-keeping existing parking is key, making it safer will be the challenge
-Cedar Ave should be a destination. We have said this before, but it's worth repeating. The business space on Cedar has mountains of potential, yet somehow it's difficult to keep spaces filled.
We also brought up the idea of a CEDAR AVENUE BUSINESS ORGANIZATION, a group of business/property owners and/or representatives that would meet during the day (over lunch?) and work with CAU towards the same goal.
We also talked about a couple resources;
Streets blog:
http://www.streetsblog.org/
A collection of useful articles:
http://www.walkable.org/articles.html
A collection of VERY useful photographs:
http://www.pedbikeimages.org/
And there you have it. a productive meeting.
As more ideas and information comes in it will become increasingly useful to have more voices at the meeting. Also, as I have mentioned in previous meetings, the job of keeping all this rolling is becoming increasingly difficult with just a few people. If you are interested in our cause, please consider volunteering a tiny bit of time or some of your skills and knowledge.
Thanks all! Hope to see you all at the next meeting.
Will
4500 Cedar
in attendance: Jim, Kay, Ryan, Will
we also welcomed 2 new people: Andy and Sue
The original topic of discussion was going to be organization of the group, we decided there weren't enough people present to have that discussion.
We dealt a little with short term improvements; since it's now spring we can begin to pursue small, short-term projects. Line painting was mentioned; both center lane and parking. *update: I have communicated this request to Katie Hatt at Peter McLaughlins office.
the conversation switched to livability of neighborhoods and the issue of road noise. One group member was kind enough to take a professional sound reading at 45th and Cedar. Here are the results:
'It looks like the significant numbers are L(eq) = 69.0; L(10) = 72.6; and L(50) = 68.1. For the most part, you're looking at the L(10). Federal Residential Criterion is L(10)=70, Minnesota Residential Criterion is L(10) = 65 Since I measured 72.6, existing noise levels exceed both Federal and MN criteria.'
More long term testing would be necessary to determine the extent to which this is a problem. But many of you that also deal with airplane noise know that these readings indicate a SERIOUS livability issue. These areas would be recipients of full noise mitigation were this an air port noise issue.
Since we had a business representative present we also discussed issues that face businesses.
-Safety and accidents, not necessarily noise are issues facing businesses
-Customer parking and pedestrian safety
-clients and customers should be able to safely get to the businesses by car, bike, bus and foot.
-keeping existing parking is key, making it safer will be the challenge
-Cedar Ave should be a destination. We have said this before, but it's worth repeating. The business space on Cedar has mountains of potential, yet somehow it's difficult to keep spaces filled.
We also brought up the idea of a CEDAR AVENUE BUSINESS ORGANIZATION, a group of business/property owners and/or representatives that would meet during the day (over lunch?) and work with CAU towards the same goal.
We also talked about a couple resources;
Streets blog:
http://www.streetsblog.org/
A collection of useful articles:
http://www.walkable.org/articles.html
A collection of VERY useful photographs:
http://www.pedbikeimages.org/
And there you have it. a productive meeting.
As more ideas and information comes in it will become increasingly useful to have more voices at the meeting. Also, as I have mentioned in previous meetings, the job of keeping all this rolling is becoming increasingly difficult with just a few people. If you are interested in our cause, please consider volunteering a tiny bit of time or some of your skills and knowledge.
Thanks all! Hope to see you all at the next meeting.
Will
4500 Cedar
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
From SENA
The Business, Development, Transportation group will meet this Thursday at 6:30 p.m. - at the SENA office.
--
Shirley Yeoman : SENA - Standish-Ericsson Neighborhood Association 612-721-1601
+++++++++++++++++++
SENA Mission Statement:
The Standish-Ericsson Neighborhood Association brings neighbors together to build on the strengths of the Standish and Ericsson neighborhoods – stability, diversity and concern for others.
We will have our usual updates - bike racks, RiverLake Greenway, neighborhood developments - and hopefully a report back to the group from the Board discussion last month.
We may want to initiate some discussion around traffic calming issues also.
Hope to see you all there. -- shirley
--
Shirley Yeoman : SENA - Standish-Ericsson Neighborhood Association 612-721-1601
+++++++++++++++++++
SENA Mission Statement:
The Standish-Ericsson Neighborhood Association brings neighbors together to build on the strengths of the Standish and Ericsson neighborhoods – stability, diversity and concern for others.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Meeting announcement!!!!
Hello Everybody,
Our next meeting is a week away! This time we hope to continue the discussion of group organization and begin to flesh out our framework. We are in need of people willing to officially volunteer for their community. Please see this link to see what sorts of positions we have considered.
The meeting will be on Wednesday April 1st at the Sibley Park Community Center, at 6:30. Click this line for directions.
Bring your ideas and neighbors. We look forward to seeing you!
-Will
4500 Cedar Ave.
Our next meeting is a week away! This time we hope to continue the discussion of group organization and begin to flesh out our framework. We are in need of people willing to officially volunteer for their community. Please see this link to see what sorts of positions we have considered.
The meeting will be on Wednesday April 1st at the Sibley Park Community Center, at 6:30. Click this line for directions.
Bring your ideas and neighbors. We look forward to seeing you!
-Will
4500 Cedar Ave.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Cedar Avenue United in PRINT
Thanks to Jeri E. for all the great work with neighborhood publications!! Here are her two most recent triumphs..
Close to Home will be hitting Northrop homes very soon...here's the on-line version.
Close to Home will be hitting Northrop homes very soon...here's the on-line version.
Enjoy the weather this week, it's pretty fabulous!
---also---
FYI, SENA's latest edition is out with Ann's article
http://www.standish-ericsson.org/news/2009%20newsletters/Apr-May'09web.pdf
Also: BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE NEWLY FLESHED OUT WEBSITE: www.cedaraveunited.org
Also: BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE NEWLY FLESHED OUT WEBSITE: www.cedaraveunited.org
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Meeting 'minutes' for 3-4-09
Attendance:
Josh, Steve, Sharon, Will
Focus:
Organization
As the group continues to grow and develop it has become clear that official organization is in order.
We started by discussing different needs for the group; various contacts or committees that would be useful. Here are some of the ideas discussed:
-Neighborhood Representatives. These reps would organize on a neighborhood level, working with residents, existing NRP (or other) neighborhood groups, holding meetings if necessary. They would also attend CAU monthly meeting
-Elected official Liaison- This person would communicate with various elected officials and their offices.
-Business Liaison, Business Committee – This person or committee would communicate and organize businesses on the Cedar corridor. Cedar Avenue Business Council (?)
-Cycling Representative/committee – work with neighborhoods and other organizations to determine most effective and SAFE ways to integrate and encourage cycling on the corridor. Work with various projects and initiatives in the area.
-Also some aspects that need to be addressed: Signage, Traffic (police enforcement) Multi Cultural/Diversity, National Night Out
Currently Jeri has been seeing over communication with various neighborhood publications with much success. Watch your neighborhood circular for meeting announcements and articles. Thank you!
We were in agreement that CAU is still too young to incorporate officially as a non-profit. We discussed this topic briefly, and will likely talk more about it in the future.
Also, thanks to Steve, we have an official web domain. www.cedaraveunited.org . Currently this is only a placeholder. Continue to use the BLOG for announcements and updates. In the future this site will become a clearing house for documents and information, included files for print material. We will be able to link with neighborhood orgs, city/county offices and affiliated businesses and organizations. Thank you Steve, this will be a useful resource.
We plan to continue this discussion in the next meeting and to compare and contrast our needs with other similar projects (Lyndale Redesign etc)
We hope to see all of you at the next meeting on Wednesday, April 1st. Bring your ideas and anyone that you think might be interested in participating.
Please feel free to add a comment if I missed something important!
Thanks,
Will
Josh, Steve, Sharon, Will
Focus:
Organization
As the group continues to grow and develop it has become clear that official organization is in order.
We started by discussing different needs for the group; various contacts or committees that would be useful. Here are some of the ideas discussed:
-Neighborhood Representatives. These reps would organize on a neighborhood level, working with residents, existing NRP (or other) neighborhood groups, holding meetings if necessary. They would also attend CAU monthly meeting
-Elected official Liaison- This person would communicate with various elected officials and their offices.
-Business Liaison, Business Committee – This person or committee would communicate and organize businesses on the Cedar corridor. Cedar Avenue Business Council (?)
-Cycling Representative/committee – work with neighborhoods and other organizations to determine most effective and SAFE ways to integrate and encourage cycling on the corridor. Work with various projects and initiatives in the area.
-Also some aspects that need to be addressed: Signage, Traffic (police enforcement) Multi Cultural/Diversity, National Night Out
Currently Jeri has been seeing over communication with various neighborhood publications with much success. Watch your neighborhood circular for meeting announcements and articles. Thank you!
We were in agreement that CAU is still too young to incorporate officially as a non-profit. We discussed this topic briefly, and will likely talk more about it in the future.
Also, thanks to Steve, we have an official web domain. www.cedaraveunited.org . Currently this is only a placeholder. Continue to use the BLOG for announcements and updates. In the future this site will become a clearing house for documents and information, included files for print material. We will be able to link with neighborhood orgs, city/county offices and affiliated businesses and organizations. Thank you Steve, this will be a useful resource.
We plan to continue this discussion in the next meeting and to compare and contrast our needs with other similar projects (Lyndale Redesign etc)
We hope to see all of you at the next meeting on Wednesday, April 1st. Bring your ideas and anyone that you think might be interested in participating.
Please feel free to add a comment if I missed something important!
Thanks,
Will
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