10-14-1996 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON OCTOBER 14, 1996 • (Corridor Selection for Hwy 12 Upgrade - Continued) O'Keefe said the operating costs of the railroad cannot be increased by the change and noted the reduction in one curve horizontally. He said the advantage to the Railroad was the elimination of the at -grade crossings and overpass bridges. When asked about the two -track railroad option, O'Keefe said that option is now available and was requested to be kept available. No agreement has been reached but a consideration to reduce the overall right -of -way while still allowing Hwy 12 to be squeezed in with minimal impact is being pursued. O'Keefe said it was not a Mn/DOT requirement that Orono on the alternative prior to the election. Callahan clarified that it was the Council's request. The cities will have 120 days from November 21, the date of Mn/DOT's public hearing, to respond to the proposal with comments. John Harris, 2445 Woodhaven Drive, asked why the environmental study was discontinued. O'Keefe said there was a radical change in scope with the reduction from four lanes to two. He added that an environmental assessment will determine if an environmental study is required for the two lane proposal. Harris said the elevation changes would result in environmental concerns with 6 -9' changes in regard to dust, noise and effect on foundations, water tables, and wells. Harris said he realized the road was needed but voiced concern with what will happen to the homes in the future and believes • the community should demand a study be performed. O'Keefe responded that the purpose of the environmental assessment is to see if a study is needed to determine that. • Scott Goldsmith, 265 N. Old Crystal Bay Road, Orono, said he has owned his property for 15 years. He said he understands there was a problem with funding and the inability to identify the location resulting in the change from a four lane to two lane road. He sees the two -lane highway as a way to bring traffic through the area from the west, and not one of saving 3 -4 extra minutes in drive time. He felt it would increase the rate of traffic and speed and give an incentive to businesses and travelers to use the roadway. He is concerned that the road would be a stepping stone to building a freeway at some point and sees that proposal in the future with the addition of 20 -30' of right of way. He questioned if the funding was not obtained because Mn/DOT could not prove the road was consistent with that of an interstate. He asked O'Keefe to comment on the possibility of the alternative being a stepping stone. He also commented by virtue of the traffic, it would have a self regulating effect in that it would give incentive to use alternate routes and open greater development to the west. O'Keefe said the 80' width of the proposed right of way would make it practically impossible to have four lanes. O'Keefe said he would like to have four lanes, however, but there are no plans for that at this time. O Keefe cited a letter in the Sun Sailor from Mary Hill Smith, who sees the proposal as a viable alternative to a six lane road. 7