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.