03-25-1991 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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PLANNING COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING HELD FEBRUARY 20, 1991 ft interested in pursuing Highway 55. An indication of that is there has been no representation at any of the Highway 1 1 Comroittae rteetings front any of the High'wny 55 contntuni t ies. I asked Mr. Dallam why that is and his response was that MNDOT d .d not wish to unnecessarily alarm then. MNDOT is not thinking of Highway 55 as a serious alternative. For the City of Orono to keep throwing the corridor up to Highway 55 is unrealistic. I would like to see it up there. I also want to have input on where the corridor goes. I agree that we need to work with the City of Long L3.<e. It was previously suggested this evening that we offer concessions to Lake Long to enable them to keep their business tax base. Orono is not interested in having a downtown area, but prefers the rural chacacter for our community. I believe that whatever tax considerations we offer Long Lake to save their tax base and relocate the diav/ntown will have far lass impact on us than constructing the corridor elsewhere will. Let MMDI)T construct a downtown area that makes sense for Long Lake. Tne City needs to work toward solutions rather than putting our heads in the sand. MNDOT is very aware of the impact the five lines on the map ()3ve on property values. They have indicated that their prime objective is to have th<? corridor designated by this fall and eliminate the other four options. Once the other lines are off the map, it seems to me we have little opportunity for changing their opinion. We need to work toward a solution soon. If the City can put in front of MNDOT a .solution that addresses Orono' s and Long Lake's concerns, we may have a better say in the matter. It seems to me that there are few disputes about the use of the existing corridor the fartner west you go. Long Lake is the trouble spot." Charles Schroeder said, ’’It appears from listening comments of Mr. Massopust and Mr. Cohen that so.me information exists which is not known by the citizens.’’ to the inside Cohen explained that his comments are based on his past experience in dealing with MNDOT and road upgrades such as this one that occurred in Golden Valley. Massopust stated that his opinions are based on information he gathered from attending the monthly MNDDT meetings. Schroeder stated that the fact the citizens are present this evening shows that they are not putting their heads in the sand. He said, "I am mystified as to why Larry Dallam will not consider Highway 55." Sally Hauser asked why Highway 55 is not a consideration and if the citizen's eff*'i*'« are in vain if in fact a corridor has been selected. - 10 -