Complete 2040 Comp Plan Book - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Page 4 Navarre Small Area Plan was a final plan that seeks to improve conditions for walking in Hennepin County so that it can become a safer, more convenient, and more enjoyable transportation choice. City of Orono / Hennepin County – Street Light and Sidewalk Improvements – 2013 The City of Orono held a series of meetings to gather input from residents and businesses regarding future planning for Navarre. Meetings took place on February 11, April 8 and June 10, 2013 at Orono City Hall. Meetings included updates on recent activities regarding Navarre as well as review of street lighting options under consideration and discussion of sidewalk issues. Hennepin County Transportation Department staff were also involved in the process to discuss potential pedestrian and traffic safety improvements currently being studied. A survey was developed that allowed residents to comment on proposed street light alternatives. Following the public participation process, the City completed a streetlight and sidewalk improvement project in the summer of 2014. In addition, Hennepin County revised their striping plan for the crosswalks in response to recommendations from the City and residents at the June 10 meeting. There were approximately 40 attendees at the February 11 meeting, 35 attendees at the April 8 meeting, and 20 attendees at the June 10 meeting. Blue Cross Blue Shield Minnesota – Navarre Demonstration Project 2014-2015 In collaboration with Blue Cross Blue Shield Minnesota, the City held two open house meetings with Navarre residents and businesses to develop ideas for a potential Active Living Demonstration project. Demonstration projects are short-term projects or pop-up events intended to show what potential permanent improvements could look like. The City held the meetings to gather feedback on what issues could be addressed as part of the demonstration project. Objectives identified as part of the meetings included traffic calming and making the area more pedestrian friendly. Ideas for projects included bringing in temporary boulevard trees, improving trail connections to businesses, and providing community gathering spaces. The City had planned to seek grant funds from Blue Cross Blue Shield Minnesota for the demonstration project; however, due to the timing of the resignation of the City’s Community Development Director, a grant application was not completed by the City. The NCI agreed to go forward with a scaled back version of some of the projects.