04/20/2009 Planning Commission Minutes

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Y � � MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING April 20,2009 � 6:30 o'clock p.m. attempts by the Minnesota Legislature to eliminate these local Board of Equalization hearings is not wise and that he expects more people to be at next year's Board of Equalization. Kang asked whether Orono is taking any steps to address the concerns of the business owners in Orono and Long Lake located on Old Highway 12, especially given the proposed new road closure and detour. Murphy stated they have had a number of discussions concerning the new Highway 12 and the impact it has had on the businesses in Long Lake. Murphy stated as it concerns the signage,Mn/DOT followed its procedure and called Old Highway 12 Wayzata Boulevard,which unfortunately added to the confusion. A number of the business people also expressed frustration that the new Highway 12 was opened up prior to Christmas. Murphy noted that the stretch of Old Highway 12 from Crystal Bay Road to Highway 6 will be closed in the near future,with traffic being detoured across County Road 6 and down Willow. A number of business leaders have expressed concerns about the signage and other issues. The work was scheduled to commence today,but due to road restrictions still being in place in Delano,the work has been delayed until those are lifted. Murphy stated the new Highway 12 project had been in the works for the past 20 years and every business person should have been aware of the impact that it would have on their business. Murphy commented it is an unfortunate situation but that the City of Orono's options are limited. Kang stated in her view the businesses did not expect traffic to drop on Old Highway 12 to the level that it has. Kempf asked what progress has been made in the area near County Road 6 where Mn/DOT removed all the vegetation and trees. Murphy stated the City has worked with Mn/DOT on that issue and that a re-vegetation plan has been developed. Murphy noted the City has received a noise complaint regarding the noise from the new Highway 12 and that a formal complaint has been filed with Mn/DOT by some of the residents. Murphy stated the other part of the closure involves the installation of the bridge for the Luce Line and that there will be a detour associated with that work as well. Schwingler asked whether that section of Highway 12 will be repaved. Murphy indicated they are attempting to get Mn/DOT to repave Old Highway 12 prior to Hennepin County assuming control of the road but they have not received a response back from Mn/DOT. Murphy reported the City of Long Lake has lost approximately 10 percent of its tax base since the highway project commenced. PAGE 4