HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994 01-31 CCP Work Session CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER
JANUARY 31, 1994
7 p.m.
Council Work Session
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Proposed Humboldt/73rd Avenues Improvements
a. Staff Presentation
b. Council Discussion
C. Public Input
4. Adjournment
CITY 6301 SHINGLE CREEK PARKWAY
i
OF BROOKLYN CENTER, MINNESOTA 55430
:BFROOKLYN TELEPHONE: 569 -3300
CENTER FAX: 569 -3494
EMERGENCY - POLICE - FIRE
r 911
January 28, 1994
Dear Citizens:
This letter is to remind you of the City Council worksession scheduled for MONDAY,
JANUARY 31, 1994, at 7:00 p.m. in Constitution Hall of the Brooklyn Center Community
Center, 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway.
Enclosed with this letter is a copy of staff's report to the City Council, which includes
recommendations regarding improvements to Humboldt and 73rd Avenues. Two lengthy
appendices to the report ( "Appendix B" and "Appendix C ") include copies of all reports, studies,
and letters, petitions, and other communications from interested parties. All City Council
members have received 'copies of these appendices, as have representatives of HARA, area
merchants, Brooklyn Park, and Mn/DOT. Two copies of these appendices are available for use
at City Hall (in the Engineering Department), and an additional copy is available at the Brookdale
Library.
While the report includes staff recommendations for improvements, the final decision remains
with the Council. If the Council selects an option which requires a public hearing, that hearing is
tentatively scheduled for March 14, 1994. Prior to that meeting, individual petitions will be sent
to all property owners abutting Humboldt and 73rd Avenues, allowing those persons to vote on
proposed improvements.
As a reminder, the work session on January 31 will be a formal presentation to the Council. The
Council will also take public comment at that meeting. As the Council has stated previously, no
decision as to which option or options to continue to consider will be made until the Council's
regular meeting on February 14.
If you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact us at 569 -3340, by letter, or in
person at the Engineering Office.
Sincerely,
i
Knapp
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
r .
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER
JANUARY 31, 1994
7 p.m.
Council Work Session
1. .... ........... ....
. ..... ......
....... . ..... . . . . . ....
................ . ............ .............. xx...
.......... X . .......
.......... ............
..........
.. ......... . ......
............ .. ...
............
....... ....... .. . . .... .. . ..
.... ........... .. ... ....
.. . .......... . ....... . ...... .. N ............................... .
........... . . ....
. ............ ........................
.. ......... . .. q . ................. ..... .. . . ..
... ! .. ... ...... .......... ...... ....................... ..
..... ....... . ........ ..... ............ .......
Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Proposed Humboldt/73rd Avenues Improvements
a. Staff Presentation
b. Council Discussion
C. Public Input
4. Adjournment
CITY 6301 SHINGLE CREEK PARKWAY
t or BROOKLYN CENTER, MINNESOTA 55430
:BtR OOK LY N TELEPHONE: 569 -3300
C ENTER FAX: 569 -3494
EMERGENCY - POLICE - FIRE
911
MEMORANDUM
Date: January 26, 1994
To: Mayor Paulson and City Council Members
From: G. G. Splinter, City Managev, w
Sy Knapp, Director of Public Works.
Mark Maloney, City Engineer ox)t
Diane Spector, Public Works Coordinators:'
Subject: Humboldt Avenue and 73rd Avenue Improvements
. As directed by the City Council on 11/22/93 and 12/20/93 a "Step 5" informational meeting
regarding proposed improvements to Humboldt Avenue, and to 73rd Avenue, was conducted on
January 19, 1994. The minutes of that meeting are included in Appendix A of this report.
As also directed by the Council on 11/22/93, the purpose of this memo is to ". . . have staff
collect necessary data to propose concrete proposals at a work session on January 31 ... ".
Based on Council actions 12/20/93, the following schedule is to be followed, following that
worksession.
on 2/14/94 ✓ City Council considers adoption of a resolution which "adopts one
concrete solution" and sets 3/14/94 as the date for a public hearing
on the proposed improvement
mid - February ✓ public informational meeting(s) (Step 7 of the Building Block
process) - if so directed by the City Council.
week of February 28 ✓ notices of public hearing(s) sent to all property owners on
Humboldt Avenue (and 73rd Avenue).
March 2 & 9, 1994 ✓ notices of public hearing(s) published in the Brooklyn Center Post
(the City's official newspaper).
i s *VN
4
f '
March 14, 1994 ✓ public hearing(s) conducted
✓ resolution(s) ordering improvement(s) considered by City Council
at this meeting, or at a future meeting.
This report consists of the following sections:
Section I Introduction and Comments
Section 2 Evaluation of Options
Section 3 Summary and Recommendations
Appendix A including the following:
• copies of all written communications received to -date.
✓ from the Brooklyn Center Police Department and the Fire Department
✓ from other agencies
• minutes of the January 19, 1994 step 5 meeting
Appendix B including the following:
• all staff reports covering the projects to -date
• notices of all public meetings relating to these improvements (both mailed notices
and published notices)
• excerpts from Council meetings relating to these projects
Appendix C including the following:
• copies of all written communications received to -date.
✓ from citizens
✓ from organizations
enclosures
I�
Options and Recommendations for
Humboldt Avenue Improvement Project 1994 -05 and
73rd Avenue Improvement Project 1994 -07
Section 1 Introduction and Comments:
This report is submitted in accordance with the City Council's 11/22/93 to " ... have staff
collect necessary data to propose concrete proposals at a worksession on January 31st ..."
During the past four months much effort has been directed to monitoring and evaluating
existing conditions, attempting to "define the problems ", developing options for
consideration, and evaluating the impacts of those options. This report documents that
information.
Evaluation of Existing Conditions /Defining The Problems
The document entitled "Humboldt /73rd Avenues /Information and Preliminary Options for
Improvement" dated January, 1994 (see Appendix B) provides a summary of "Identified
Issues /Problems" and "Information Gathered, Research Done ". Based on this information,
staff has repeatedly acknowledged that there are problems on Humboldt Avenue, and we have
directed our efforts at developing effective ways to deal with these problems. In search of
effective solutions, we have adopted the following criteria:
Criteria #I to the extent possible, our goal should be to eliminate "External to External"
traffic (i.e.— traffic which uses Humboldt Avenue as a bypass through the
neighborhood — whether that be from T.H. 252 to T.H. 100, from the northerly
section of T.H. 252 to the southerly section of T.H. 252 or to I -94 or 694, or
between other outside origins and destinations).
Criteria #2 to the extent possible, system changes should be considered which would
accomodate "External to Internal" and "Internal to External" traffic
(i.e.— traffic from/to the Trunk Highway system going to /from an origin or
destination within the neighborhood)by utilizing those collector streets which
are least disruptive to the neighborhood.
Criteria #3 "Internal to Internal" (i.e., traffic from the neighborhood journeying to a
location in the neighborhood) traffic needs to be accommodated.
Criteria #4 any "solution" should provide a net benefit to the entire neighborhood, rather
than benefit one segment of the neighborhood to the detriment of another.
Criteria #5 any "solution" needs to be evaluated on the basis of at least the following
factors:
• ✓ impacts on people —with special consideration of the impacts on abutting
property owners and tenants
✓ impacts on property values
City of Brooklyn Center Humboldt /73rd Avenue Report January 28, 1994
✓ impacts on the larger neighborhood and the community — including
commercial developments
✓ impacts on the transportation system
✓ impacts on mass transit services, emergency services, etc.
✓ costs and availability of funding
Section 2 Options and Evaluation of Options
Section 2 of this report presents the options which staff has identified, and staff's evaluation
of those options.
In addition, we wish to direct the City Council's attention to Appendix C to this report which
contains all of the comments which have been submitted by citizens and by organizations,
and by Appendix A to this report which contins comments submitted by the Brooklyn Center
Police and Fire Chiefs, and by other agencies, including Brooklyn Park, Mn/DOT, and
MTC.
Section 3 Summary and Recommendations
The City Councils directive to staff on 11/23/93 was ...to propose concrete proposals at a
worksession on January 31... "
In developing the following two proposals, we have attempted to meet the five criteria which
are detailed in Section 1 of this report.
Proposal No. 1 - A "Build in 1994" Alternative
If the City wishes to proceed with a "Build in 1994" alternative at this time, we recommend
the following "package plans" which combines parts of several basic options:
✓ Reconstruct Humboldt Avenue to a 30 -foot width (Option 3 -b) or to a 26 foot width
(Option 3a).
✓ Reconstruct Humboldt Avenue from 65th to 69th Avenue, using a landscaped center
island parkway design (Option 7).
✓ Reconstruct 73rd Avenue to a narrower width than the existing 73rd Avenue roadway,
except where provisions for on- street parking are determined to be necessary. This
improvement could incorporate a curvilinear alignment and should include installation of
sidewalk(s).
Note The City of Brooklyn Park would need to agree with, and participate in the
selection and implementation of any alternative on 73rd Avenue.
4
City of Brooklyn Center Humboldt /73rd Avenue Report January 28, 1994
✓ Along with any roadway improvements, incorporate generous landscape and streetscape
improvements, driveway designs which improve access to and exit from residential
properties, and other features designed to improve the Humboldt Avenue Environment
and reduce specific traffic problems.
✓ (Optional) Install traffic signal system(s) on Humboldt Avenue at 69th Avenue and /or at
73rd Avenue.
✓ Install all -way stop signs at the school crosswalk at 72nd Avenue.
✓ Request the City of Brooklyn Park to consider traffic control measures which discourage
the use of Humboldt and /or 73rd Avenues as bypasses for "External to External" traffic.
• Work with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) and Brooklyn Park
to implement some form of changes to the T.H. 252 /Humboldt Avenue intersection
(Option 8).
• Work with MnDOT to investigate and implement short -term and long -term
improvements to T.H. 252 (Option 9).
• Work with MnDOT to investigate possible changes to the Humboldt Avenue/
T.H. 100 /I -694 interchange (Option 10).
Proposal No. 2 - An "Interim Action and Study" Alternative
A considerable effort has been made to evaluate existing conditions, define the problems,
identify and evaluating options. The license plate studies which were conducted were
specifically designed to provide information regarding two issues which, at first, appeared to
be the major issues which citizens wanted the City to resolve, i.e.:
on Humboldt Avenue - the issue of through traffic from T.H. 252 to T.H. 100
on 73rd Avenue - the issue of non - resident traffic.
However, many questions simply cannot be answered without much additional work.
Additional studies which could be considered include:
• a complete, detailed origin/destination study of all "external to external" and "external
to internal" trips through a specifically defined area or neighborhood.
• detailed, computerized analyses of the impacts of any number of system change
options
• ■ air quality studies
• other environmental studies
City of Brooklyn Center Humboldt /73rd Avenue Report January 28, 1994
It is only with such detailed studies that we could answer many of the specific questions
which citizens have asked... and which some have charged staff with avoiding or with
distorting the facts. While we might feel much more comfortable in answering those
questions after conducting such studies, we do not believe that the cost of such studies (very
probably in excess of $50,000) is justified.
Accordingly, if the City Council does not wish to proceed on the basis of Proposal No. 1
(above), we recommend consideration of the following "Interim Action and Study"
alternative:
✓ Place a bituminous overlay on Humboldt Avenue in 1994 to improve its surface
condition and extend its life for several years while the following described evaluation
process is conducted. Sealcoat 73rd Avenue in 1994 to extend its life two to three years.
✓ Install all -way stop signs at two additional intersections (i.e. —at the school crossing at
72nd Avenue and at the 70th Avenue intersection).
✓ (Optional) Consider installation of traffic signals on Humboldt Avenue —at 69th Avenue
and /or at 73rd Avenue.
✓ Install all -way stop signs at the 73rd Avenue /Dupont (south leg) intersection.
• Monitor possible detouring of traffic to other streets in the neighborhood, and implement
"neighborhood traffic control measures" on an as- needed basis.
• Request the City of Brooklyn Park to consider traffic control measures on their street
system.
✓ Request Mn/DOT to study and make changes in its highway system —which will reduce
the bypass problems and other identified problems.
AND, MOST IMPORTANT:
✓ In cooperation with the City of Brooklyn Park, create a special task force, with
representation from the residential areas of Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park, from
business establishments, staff and /or City Council members from the cities of Brooklyn
Center and Brooklyn Park and with representation by Mn/DOT. Charge that task force
with the responsibility to conduct needed studies, and public meetings as they determine
to be necessary for the development of a comprehensive planning and transportation plan
for the area of Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park between West River Road and Zane
Avenue, from 69th Avenue to Brookdale Drive (or 85th Avenue). Direct that task force
to develop and submit their plan within some specified time limit, so that implementation
of the plan may then begin.
•
4 ,
t
• HUMBOLDT /73rd AVENUES
EVALUATION OF OPTIONS
OPTION NO. 1
DESCRIPTION Cul -de -Sac
1. Estimated Impact on Traffic Volume and Traffic Problems on Humboldt Avenue.
• dramatic decrease in volume of traffic — especially the northerly portion
• reduce or eliminate most of the problems which are being caused by high traffic volume
2. Estimated Impact on Traffic Volume and Traffic Problems on 73rd Avenue.
• a dramatic increase in volume of traffic and problems related to high traffic volumes
•
3. Estimated Impact on Traffic Volume and Traffic Problems and Other Impacts on Greater
Neighborhood.
Unless a complete system of "neighborhood traffic control measures" (see Option 11) is
developed and implemented, traffic volumes on all north -south streets between Palmer Lake
and T.H. 252 can be expected to increase.
4. Estimated Impact on Traffic Volume and Traffic Problems on Total Transportation System.
Humboldt Avenue is the only continuous north -south arterial serving Brooklyn Center and
Brooklyn Park traffic between T.H. 252 and Zane Avenue. If the 69th to 73rd Avenue
segment is removed from service as an arterial and particularly, if a system of neighborhood
traffic control measures are installed on other local streets, traffic impacts will occur on all
local north -south collector streets —i.e., Newton Avenue, Xerxes /France Avenue and Noble
Avenue.
City of Brooklyn Center OPTION 1 January 28, 1994
5. Impact on MTC buses, School buses, Emergency Services, etc.
MTC —see letter from Steve Mahowald
School buses —not available at this time
Ambulance Service —see letter from North Medical Transportation Services
Police Service —see memo from Police Chief Hampton
Fire Service —see memo from Fire Chief Boman
6. State Aid Funding Impact.
Because MSA rules require continuity of system, City would be required to remove
Humboldt Ave. (65th -69th) from the MSA system. No MSA funds could be used for any
improvements to that segment of Humboldt.
7. Impact on Comprehensive Plan
This option would require at least a "minor" amendment, and may require a major
amendment if the Metropolitan Council determines that the proposed change has a significant
impact on the comprehensive planning process. In a practical sense, the Metropolitan
Council would very probably require a major review if the City of Brooklyn Park objected to
Brooklyn Center's proposal.
8. Environment Studies Required?
None mandated.
9. Aesthetic Impacts
Could create new opportunities for landscaping and streetscaping.
10. Costs and Special Assessments
• to create a properly designed cul -de -sac would require acquisition of property, possibly
including the purchase of one or two houses.
• no opportunity for special assessments unless Humboldt Avenue is upgraded.
City of Brooklyn Center OPTION 1 January 28, 1994
HUMBOLDT /73rd AVENUES
EVALUATION OF OPTIONS
OPTION NO. 2
DESCRIPTION Median Barrier
Note: This option requires a cooperative agreement with Brooklyn Park
1. Estimated Impact on Traffic Volume and Traffic Problems on Humboldt Avenue.
• the reduction of traffic volume on Humboldt Avenue would be very significant, but not
as great as with Option 1.
• by prohibiting turns from 73rd Avenue to northbound Humboldt Avenue, more
disruption of the neighborhood traffic pattern would occur.
• 2. Estimated Impact on Traffic Volume and Traffic Problems on 73rd Avenue.
• a substantial increase.
3. Estimated Impact on Traffic Volume and Traffic Problems and Other Impacts on Greater
Neighborhood.
Unless a complete system of "neighborhood traffic control measures" (see Option 11) is
developed and implemented, traffic volumes on all north -south streets between Palmer Lake
and T.H. 252 can be expected to increase.
4. Estimated Impact on Traffic Volume and Traffic Problems on Total Transportation
System.
Humboldt Avenue is the only continuous north -south arterial serving Brooklyn Center and
Brooklyn Park traffic between T.H. 252 and Zane Avenue. If the 69th to 73rd Avenue
segment is removed from service as an arterial and particularly, if a system of
neighborhood traffic control measures are installed on other local streets, traffic impacts
will occur on all local north -south collector streets —i.e., Newton Avenue, Xerxes /France
Avenue and Noble Avenue.
City of Brooklyn Center OPTION 2 January 28, 1994
5. Impact on MTC buses, School buses, Emergency Services, etc.
MTC —see letter from Steve Mahowald
School buses —not available at this time
Ambulance Service — see letter from North Medical Transportation Services
Police Service- see memo from Police Chief Hampton
Fire Service -see memo from Fire Chief Boman
6. State Aid Funding Impact.
Because of the median barrier's effect of making Humboldt Avenue traffic flow is
continuous, State Aid rules m� require both Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park to
remove ' their State Aid designation of Humboldt Avenue —from 69th Avenue to Brookdale
Drive.
7. Impact on Comprehensive Plan
This option would require at least a "minor amendment," and may require a "major" •
amendment if the Metropolitan Council determines that the proposed change has a
significant impact on the comprehensive planning process. In a practical sense, the
Metropolitan Council would very probably require a major review if the City of Brooklyn
Park objected to Brooklyn Center's proposal.
8. Environment Studies Required?
None mandated.
9. Aesthetic Impacts
No new opportunities for landscaping. The median would not be wide enough to provide a
viable planting area.
10. Costs and Special Assessments
• costs for median construction would be relatively minimal.
• no opportunity for special assessments, unless Humboldt Avenue is upgraded.
City of Brooklyn Center OPTION 2 January 28, 1994
HUMBOLDT /73rd AVENUES
EVALUATION OF OPTIONS
i OPTION NO. 3
DESCRIPTION Improvements Within The Existing Right -of -Way
For Humboldt Avenue: For 73rd Avenue (cooperatively with Brooklyn
Park):
3a - 26' roadway 3e - narrower roadway with curvilinear
3b - 30' roadway alignment
3c - 3 lane (centerlane as a 2 way left turn 3f - same width as existing roadway
lane ) 3g - widen roadway to accommodate on -street
3d - 4 lane roadway parking
Note: Any option for 73rd Avenue includes
consideration of a sidewalk on one or both
sides.
1. Estimated Impact on Traffic Volume and Traffic Problems on Humboldt Avenue.
Suboption 3a Minimal impact on volume. No "escape" from roadway ( i.e., drivers
would not drive up on boulevards, etc., if concrete curb is installed).
Suboption 3b No change on volume. No "escape" from roadway.
Suboption 3c Minor increase in volume. Greater opportunity to get in/out of
driveways.
Suboption 3d Estimated 10% increase in volume. Roadway would provide greatly
improved traffic flow and significantly reduce problems in/out of
driveways. Probable increase in average speed of traffic. Greater
difficulty for pedestrian crossings.
Suboptions 3e -g Minimal impact on traffic volume on Humboldt.
2. Estimated Impact on Traffic Volume and Traffic Problems on 73rd Avenue.
Under any 73rd Avenue suboption, very little change in traffic volumes on 73rd Avenue.
Construction of sidewalk(s) on 73rd Avenue would improve pedestrian safety.
3. Estimated Impact on Traffic Volume and Traffic Problems and Other Impacts on
Greater Neighborhood.
Under suboptions 3c or 3d —some traffic which now uses other local streets may move to
Humboldt Avenue.
4. Estimated Impact on Traffic Volume and Traffic Problems on Total Transportation
System.
Suboption 3a or 3b No change.
Suboption 3c of 3d Reinforce the capacity of the total transportation system.
Suboption 3e, f, or g No change.
City of Brooklyn Center OPTION 3 January 28, 1994
5. Impact on MTC buses, School buses, Emergency Services, etc.
Suboption 3a or 3b No change.
Suboption 3c or 3d Improve ability of these services to serve the area.
Suboptions 3e, f, or g No change.
6. State Aid Funding Impact
Suboption 3a Not eligible for use of MSA funds.
Suboption 3b, c, or d Eligible for use of MSA funds if MSA standards are met.
Suboption 3e, f, or g Eligible for use of MSA funds if MSA standards are met.
7. Impact on Comprehensive Plan
No amendment mandated for any of these sub - option.
8. Environment Studies Required?
None mandated.
9. Aesthetic Impacts
Suboption 3a Provides 2 feet additional boulevard on each side — providing
opportunity to enhance boulevards.
Suboption 3b or f No change except boulevards are less subject to damage. .
Suboption 3c Significant loss of existing trees, boulevards reduced to sub -
standard widths, roadway edges closer to homes, overall reduction
in landscape /streetscape opportunities.
Suboption 3d Loss of all trees within right -of -way. No boulevards (sidewalks
abutting curbs). Roadway substantially closer to existing homes.
Suboption 3e Opportunity to enhance boulevards and provide for a more
"neighborhood" like setting.
Suboption 3g Possible loss of some trees, less opportunity for added landscaping.
10. Costs and Special Assessments
Suboption 3a or 3b Approximately $180,000 plus power line relocation (optional).
Suboption 3c Approximately $250,000 plus power line relocation (required).
Suboption 3d Approximately $350,000 plus power line relocation (required).
Suboption 3e or f Approximately $200,000.
Suboption 3g Approximately $210,000.
Special Assessments: need evaluation by independent appraiser
City of Brooklyn Center OPTION 3 January 28, 1994
B UMBOLDT /73rd AVENUES
EVALUATION OF OPTIONS
OPTION NO. 4
DESCRIPTION Purchase the homes on one side of Humboldt and construct a 4 lane
divided roadway (similar to 69th Avenue)
1. Estimated Impact on Traffic Volume and Traffic Problems on Humboldt Avenue.
Estimated 10% increase in volume. Roadway would greatly improve traffic flow and
significantly reduce problems in/out of driveways. Probable increase in average speed.
Create opportunities for sidewalk and trail improvements and pedestrian crossing facilities.
2. Estimated Impact on Traffic Volume and Traffic Problems on 73rd Avenue.
Very little change in traffic volume.
3. Estimated Impact on Traffic Volume and Traffic Problems and Other Impacts on Greater
Neighborhood.
Some traffic which now "shortcuts" via other neighborhood streets would move to
Humboldt Avenue.
4. Estimated Impact on Traffic Volume and Traffic Problems on Total Transportation
System.
Reinforce the capacity of the total transportation system.
5. Impact on MTC buses, School buses, Emergency Services, etc.
Improve the ability of these services to access the area, and serve other areas.
is
City of Brooklyn Center OPTION 4 January 28, 1994
6. State Aid Funding Impact.
Eligible for use of MSA funds. HOWEVER, the City has very little State Aid bonding
capacity left, and won't be able to again issue a significant amount of bonds to finance a
major project for several more years. The City's annual MSA construction allocation is not
capable of supporting the costs of this option unless most or all planned improvements to
other State Aid streets in the City are deferred in favor of this option.
7. Impact on Comprehensive Plan
No amendment required.
8. Environment Studies Required?
Not mandated. However, the City may wish to initiate a discretionary study.
9. Aesthetic Impacts
This option would provide an opportunity for aesthetic enhancement similar to the 69th
Avenue improvement.
10. Costs and Special Assessments
$2.5 to $3.5 million. Special assessment opportunities are minimal.
City of Brooklyn Center OPTION 4 January 28, 1994
HUMBOLDT /73rd AVENUES
EVALUATION OF OPTIONS
OPTION NO. 5
DESCRIPTION Traffic control measures such as multiple all -way Stop intersections
and /or traffic signals.
Note: Signals at 73rd would require cooperative agreement with Brooklyn
Park.
1. Estimated Impact on Traffic Volume and Traffic Problems on Humboldt Avenue.
Multiple all -way stop signs would have some tendency to decrease traffic volumes on
Humboldt Avenue. Stop sign installation would result in increased noise levels and air
pollution at these intersections and increased stop sign violations.
Traffic signals may tend to increase traffic volumes slightly, but could provide "platooning"
of traffic — thereby improving the ability to enter /exit driveways.
f
2. Estimated Impact on Traffic Volume and Traffic Problems on 73rd Avenue.
Minimal.
3. Estimated Impact on Traffic Volume and Traffic Problems and Other Impacts on Greater
Neighborhood.
Minimal.
4. Estimated Impact on Traffic Volume and Traffic Problems on Total Transportation System.
Minimal.
5. Impact on MTC buses, School buses, Emergency Services, etc.
Is Multiple stops would apply to buses.
Minimal impact on emergency services. Response time for emergency service vehicles could
increase slightly.
City of Brooklyn Center OPTION 5 January 28, 1994
6. State Aid Funding Impact.
Stop signs no impact
Signals probably eligible for MSA funding.
7. Impact on Comprehensive Plan
None.
8. Environment Studies Required?
None.
9. Aesthetic Impacts
Minor.
10. Costs and Special Assessments
Stop signs minimal
Traffic signals $100,000 /intersection
City of Brooklyn Center OPTION 5 January 28, 1994
HUMBOLDT /73rd AVENUES
EVALUATION OF OPTIONS
OPTION NO. 6
DESCRIPTION One -Way Street System
1. Estimated Impact on Traffic Volume and Traffic Problems on Humboldt Avenue.
Approximately a 50% decrease in traffic volume. Similar decrease in traffic- related
problems on Humboldt Avenue.
2. Estimated Impact on Traffic Volume and Traffic Problems on 73rd Avenue.
Significant increase— especially in the segment between the two designated one -way streets.
3. Estimated Impact on Traffic Volume and Traffic Problems and Other Impacts on
Greater Neighborhood.
• Besides designating another street as the other leg of a one -way pair, a complete
system of "neighborhood traffic control measures" (Option 11) would need to be
implemented in the entire neighborhood from Palmer Lake to T.H. 252, to assure
usage of the designated one -way streets.
• If Dupont Avenue were designated as one "leg" of the one -way pair, the traffic volume
past Evergreen Elementary School could increase from 1200vpd to an estimated
6000vpd.
4. Estimated Impact on Traffic Volume and Traffic Problems on Total Transportation
System.
Relatively minor.
5. Impact on MTC buses, School buses, Emergency Services, etc.
Increased time of travel and response time.
City of Brooklyn Center OPTION 6 January 28, 1994
6. State Aid Funding Impact.
Only Humboldt and Dupont are now designated as MSA streets. If another street were
chosen, the State Aid designation could be transferred from another street (anywhere in the
City) to that street — subject to the approval of the Mn/DOT Commissioners.
7. Impact on Comprehensive Plan
This option would require at least a minor amendment and may require a major
amendment.
8. Environment Studies Required?
Not mandated.
9. Aesthetic Impacts
If traffic is considered detrimental to homes, this option would double the number of homes
negatively impacted by that traffic.
10. Costs and Special Assessments
This option could be implemented with or without roadway improvement at this time.
However, if this option is selected on a permanent basis, consideration should be given to
improving both streets to a standard which will accommodate the resulting traffic volumes.
The total costs for improving two streets to collector standards is greater than improving
one to collector or arterial standard and the other to residential standard.
Special assessments subject to evaluation by an independent appraiser.
City of Brooklyn Center OPTION 6 January 28, 1994
HUMBOLDT AVENUE
EVALUATION OF OPTIONS
OPTION NO. 7
DESCRIPTION Divided roadway 65th to 73rd within existing right -of -way
1. Estimated Impact on Traffic Volume and Traffic Problems on Humboldt Avenue.
• 65th — 69th reduced capacity, lower volume. Protected turn lanes will reduce
problems related to left turning vehicles occupying through lanes.
• 69th — 73rd little or no change in overall volume. Median will limit access to
residential driveways, resulting in reduction in traffic problems due
to left turns.
2. Estimated Impact on Traffic Volume and Traffic Problems on 73rd Avenue.
Little, if any change.
•
3. Estimated Impact on Traffic Volume and Traffic Problems and Other Impacts on Greater
Neighborhood.
Reduction in traffic problems on Humboldt may have effect of bringing neighborhood
traffic onto Humboldt Avenue.
4. Estimated Impact on Traffic Volume and Traffic Problems on Total Transportation
System.
Relatively minor impact.
5. Impact on MTC buses, School buses, Emergency Services, etc.
• 65th — 69th possibly more congestion during rush hours. Slight decrease in ability
to serve area.
• 69th — 73rd overall enhancement in ability to serve the area due to less congestion
and traffic - related problems.
is
City of Brooklyn Center OPTION 7 January 28, 1994
6. State Aid Funding Impact. •
• 65th — 69th: costs of parkway conversion not MSA eligible. In addition, City
would very likely have to re -pay approximately $50,000 to $100,000
in State Aid funds used to resurface Humboldt Avenue in 1990.
• 69th — 73rd: costs MSA eligible.
7. Impact on Comprehensive Plan
Not required.
8. Environment Studies Required?
Not mandated, however the City may wish to do at their discretion.
9. Aesthetic Impacts
Substantial opportunity for landscape -type amenities in section from 65th to 69th (wide •
median). In segment between 69th and 73rd Avenue, trade off of moving driving lanes
outward, and losing boulevard, with creation of narrow median with planting opportunity.
10. Costs and Special Assessments
• 65th —69th $200,000
• 69th —73rd 250 000
• TOTAL $450,000
• Special Assessments: Need evaluations by independent appraiser
•
City of Brooklyn Center OPTION 7 January 28, 1994
• BUMBOLDT AVENUE
EVALUATION OF OPTIONS
OPTION NO. 8
DESCRIPTION Modifications to T.H. 252 /Humboldt Avenue intersection
1. Estimated Impact on Traffic Volume and Traffic Problems on Humboldt Avenue.
Total elimination of the connection of Humboldt Avenue to T. H. 252 would result in a 25%
reduction (±250 vehicles) during the average rush hour, and an estimated overall reduction
of 10 %, or 1000 vehicles on a daily basis.
2. Estimated Impact on Traffic Volume and Traffic Problems on 73rd Avenue.
Minimal impact
•
3. Estimated Impact on Traffic Volume and Traffic Problems and Other Impacts on Greater
Neighborhood.
Minimal impact.
4. Estimated Impact on Traffic Volume and Traffic Problems on Total Transportation
System.
Minimal, if any impact.
S. Impact on MTC buses, School buses, Emergency Services, etc.
MTC —see letter from Steve Mahowald
School buses —not available at this time
Ambulance Service —see letter from North Medical Transportation Services
® Police Service —see memo from Police Chief Hampton
Fire Service —see memo from Fire Chief Boman
City of Brooklyn Center OPTION 8 January 28, 1994
6. State Aid Funding Impact. •
May affect Brooklyn Park's MSA system.
7. Impact on Comprehensive Plan
Would require at least a minor amendment of Brooklyn Park's Comprehensive Plan.
8. Environment Studies Required?
The construction of an overpass at T.H. 252 would probably involve an EAW or EIS.
9. Aesthetic Impacts
No new opportunities for landscaping. Approaches for overpass may require removal of
homes /buildings.
•
10. Costs and Special Assessments
• Simply disconnecting Humboldt Avenue at T.H. 252 could be accomplished with
relatively little cost. Would require cooperative agreement with MnDOT.
Construction of an overpass, with corresponding related project and environmental
process costs, could exceed $1 million.
• No opportunity for Special Assessments.
•
City of Brooklyn Center OPTION 8 January 28, 1994
HUMBOLDT AVENUE
. EVALUATION OF OPTIONS
OPTION NO. 9
DESCRIPTION Mn/DOT Modifications to T.H. 252
9a - Signal Revisions
9b - 3rd Lane
9c - T.H. 252/I -694 Intersection
1. Estimated Impact on Traffic Volume and Traffic Problems on Humboldt Avenue.
Suboption 9a Increase in green time or optimization of signals on T.H. 252 could cause
a slight decrease in overall volume on Humboldt Avenue, most noticeable
during AM peak.
Suboption 9b Minor, if any, decrease in volume.
Suboption 9c Could have a significant impact on the "attractiveness" of Humboldt
Avenue as a bypass due to improved operation of TH 252 during AM
peak.
i
2. Estimated Impact on Traffic Volume and Traffic Problems on 73rd Avenue.
Suboption 9a, b & c: Minor impact.
3. Estimated Impact on Traffic Volume and Traffic Problems and Other Impacts on
Greater Neighborhood.
May affect local traffic patterns as T.H. 252 becomes more "attractive" during peak
periods.
4. Estimated Impact on Traffic Volume and Traffic Problems on Total Transportation
System.
If achieved, improvement to T.H. 252/I -694 interchange could represent a substantial
enhancement to total transportation system, while 9a and 9b would be considered minor
improvements.
5. Impact on MTC buses, School buses, Emergency Services, etc.
Minimal impact.
City of Brooklyn Center OPTION 9 January 28, 1994
6. State Aid Funding Impact. •
No effect (State Projects).
7. Impact on Comprehensive Plan
No amendments required to Local Comprehensive Plan.
8. Environment Studies Required?
Suboption 9a None mandated.
Suboption 9b EA possible depending on length of 3rd lane extension
Suboption 9c EAW /EIS probably mandated.
9. Aesthetic Impacts
Suboption 9a possible enhancement of air quality, reduction in noise associated with •
acceleration/deceleration
Suboption 9b same as above, but to somewhat of a lesser extent.
Suboption 9c could provide enhancements in areas of air quality and noise reduction
throughout entire T.H. 252 corridor in Brooklyn Center.
10. Costs and Special Assessments
Suboption 9a Possible funding through MnSOTA (Signal Optimization) program, or
other Mn/DOT funding. No direct City costs or assessment implications.
Suboption 9b Would be programmed as Mn/DOT maintenance project; no City costs or
assessment implications.
Suboption 9c Substantial costs, not programmed yet by Mn/DOT.
City of Brooklyn Center OPTION 9 January 28, 1994
HUMBOLDT AVENUE
EVALUATION OF OPTIONS
OPTION NO. 10
DESCRIPTION Modifications to Humboldt Avenue /TH 100 Ramps
10a - AM closure of Southbound Humboldt
lOb- Removing bridge to TH 100
10c- Metering TH 100 entrance from Southbound Humboldt
1. Estimated Impact on Traffic Volume and Traffic Problems on Humboldt Avenue.
Suboption 10a Possibly reduce AM peak volume on 69th to 73rd Segment by ±250
vehicles.
Suboption 10b Possibly reduce AM peak volume on 69th to 73rd Segment by ±250
vehicles, and overall daily volume by approximately 1000 vehicles.
Suboption 10c Increase in AM travel time may discourage some portion of the ±250
vehicles in the peak hour. No effect during non -peak periods.
2. Estimated Impact on Traffic Volume and Traffic Problems on 73rd Avenue.
•
Suboption 10a Minor, if any, impact.
Suboption 10b Minor, if any, impact.
Suboption 10c Minor, if any, impact.
3. Estimated Impact on Traffic Volume and Traffic Problems and Other Impacts on Greater
Neighborhood.
Suboption 10a, b & c May cause minor changes in neighborhood traffic patterns if local
drivers opt to get on T.H. 252 instead of using Humboldt Avenue
to get to TH 100 in AM.
4. Estimated Impact on Traffic Volume and Traffic Problems on Total Transportation System.
Suboption 10a A substantial portion of Northeast Brooklyn Center and Southeast
Brooklyn Park is currently served by this access to TH 100. The closure
of this ramp in the AM peak period will alter the routes of many
commuters, displacing trips to Shingle Creek Parkway, 65th/66th Avenue
N., Freeway Boulevard, 69th Avenue, Dupont Avenue and 57th Avenue.
Suboption 10b Same as 10a above, but effect lasts throughout the day.
• Suboption 10c Little effect on total system.
City of Brooklyn Center OPTION 10 January 28, 1994
5. Impact on MTC buses, School buses, Emergency Services, etc.
Suboption 10a: Little or no impact. .
Suboption 10b: Would have a substantial effect on ability of these services to serve the
area.
Suboption 10c: No impact.
6. State Aid Funding Impact.
Suboption 10a: No impact.
Suboption 10b: No impact.
Suboption 10c: No impact.
7. Impact on Comprehensive Plan
Suboption 10a No amendment necessary.
Suboption 10b Either a minor or major amendment to Brooklyn Center's Comprehensive
Plan.
10c (meterings): No amendment necessary.
8. Environment Studies Required?
Suboption 10a None mandated.
Suboption 10b None mandated..
Suboption 10c None mandated.
9. Aesthetic Impacts
Suboption 10a No opportunities created for amenity-type improvement.
Suboption 10b Would create an opportunity for conversion of right -of -way to open space.
Suboption 1 O Same as 10a.
10. Costs and Special Assessments
Suboption 10a Construction costs minimal, have issues regarding personnel /automation
necessary for daily operation.
Suboption 10b Substantial cost for demolition and right -of -way conversion
(± $1 million ?)
Suboption 10c Relatively small cost. •
Suboptions 10a, b and c all require development of cost sharing agreements with Mn/DOT.
No opportunity for Special Assessments for 10a, b or c.
City of Brooklyn Center OPTION 10 January 28, 1994
HUMBOLDT /73rd AVENUES
EVALUATION OF OPTIONS
OPTION NO. 11
DESCRIPTION Neighborhood Traffic Controls
1. Estimated Impact on Traffic Volume and Traffic Problems on Humboldt Avenue.
If this option was implemented by itself, some traffic which now "shortcuts" via other
neighborhood streets would probably move to Humboldt Avenue. If used in combination
with other options that discourage traffic on Humboldt, may discourage some traffic from
using either Humboldt or other neighborhood streets.
2. Estimated Impact on Traffic Volume and Traffic Problems on 73rd Avenue.
Depending on how this option were implemented, volume of traffic on 73rd may increase in
some places and decrease in others.
® 3. Estimated Impact on Traffic Volume and Traffic Problems and Other Impacts P .f.� f� acts on Greater P
Neighborhood.
Depending on how this option were implemented, some streets might see an increase in
traffic, while others may see a decrease. Other possible impacts include: slightly reduced
response time by emergency vehicles (police, fire, rescue services); confusion by delivery
trucks, visitors, etc.; increased noise and air pollution where Stop signs have been added, etc.
4. Estimated Impact on Traffic Volume and Traffic Problems on Total Transportation System.
Could result in traffic relying more heavily on the collector and arterial system.
5. Impact on MTC buses, School buses, Emergency Services, etc.
MTC —see letter from Steve Mahowald
School buses —not available at this time
Ambulance Service —see letter from North Medical Transportation Services
. Police Service —see memo from Police Chief Hampton
Fire Service —see memo from Fire Chief Boman
City of Brooklyn Center OPTION 11 January 28, 1994
6. State Aid Funding Impact.
No impact - most streets in the neighborhood are not State Aid streets.
7. on Impact Comprehensive Plan
P P
No amendment mandated.
8. Environment Studies Required?
None mandated.
9. Aesthetic Impacts
Some opportunities for aesthetic improvements might be offset by less attractive measures
such as speed humps, barriers, etc.
10. Costs and Special Assessments
Would vary based on options implemented. Many improvements are low or minimal cost •
items, while others might involve some construction.
No special assessments
0
City of Brooklyn Center OPTION 11 January 28, 1994
Appendix A
. MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE
PUBLIC INFORMATIONAL MEETING
OF THE CI'T'Y OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY
OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA
PUBLIC INFORMATIONAL MEETING
JANUARY 19, 1994
CONSTITUTION HALL
CALL TO ORDER
The Public Informational Meeting was called to order by Mr. Fred Capshaw at 7.10 p.m.
Mr. Fred Capshaw introduced himself as the Communication Task Force Chair and the
Facilitator for this evening's meeting. He welcomed the residents to the meeting and stated
the purpose of the meeting was to give the residents information regarding the proposed
improvements and an opportunity to speak regarding the issues. Mr. Capshaw gave opening
announcements and reviewed the Brooklyn Center Standards of Conduct at Public Meetings
and _the Ground Rulcs for the Meeting. Mr. Capshaw asked that residents keep their
comments to 5 minutes in length and complete a "Request to Speak" form if they care to
speak. If residents have a question they would like to submit for answer, they are asked to
complete a "Question Form"
Mr. Capshaw introduced Mayor Todd Paulson, Councilmembers Barb Kalligher, Kristen
Mann, and Celia Scott who were present at the meeting. Mr. Chuck Siggerud and Sue
Sharonbrock were also present representing Mn/DOT. Staff present were City Manager
Gerald Splinter, Director of Public Works Sy Knapp, Public Works Coordinator Diane
Spector and City Engineer Mark Maloney.
CITY STAFF PRESENTATION OF THE PROPOSED IMPROVE VMENTS
Mr. Splinter presented the "Building Block" Process Outline for Proposed 1994 Street
Improvement Program to be followed by direction of the City Council as follows:
Step 1 Selection of Candidate Projects (by City Council).
Step 2 Preliminary Studies
Costs (by staff)
Benefits (by independcnt appraiser)
Financing (by City staff)
1/19/94 - 1 -
Step 3 Preliminary Meeting with Property Owners
- Need for project - ?-
- Related improvements
- Design issues
Costs, special assessments
- Others (by staff)
Step 4 Field Surveys Studies
TV sewers
Inspect watermains
Other ( Authorized by City Council)
Step 5 Staff Work Sessions with Citizens (continued discussion)
Step 6 Complete Feasibility Report and Initiate Plans and Specifications
Step 7 Informational Meetings (conducted by City S14
Step 8 Individual Petitions Following Informational Meetings and Mailings
(Authorized by City Council)
Step 9 Public Hearing by City Council (Citizen's fifth opportunity for participation)
Step 10 Construction (if 'ordered by City Council following Public Hearing)
Mr. Splinter reviewed the process is now in Step 5. He reviewed the Humboldt/73rd
Avenues Timeline as follows;
Week of 1/4/94 "Step 5" meeting notices mailed
Week of 1/17/94 Step 5 meeting conducted
Week of 1/24/94 Staff prepares "feasibility study" for 1/31/94 City Council Work Session
1/31/94 Council Work Session discussing Humboldt Avenue and 73rd Avenue
2/14/94 City Council considers resolution which "adopts one concrete solution"
and sets 3/14/94 as public hearing on the proposed improvement.
mid - February Public Informational Meeting(s) (Step 7) if so directed.
Individual petitions sent to all abutting property owners - if so directed.
Week of 2/28/94 Notice of public hearing(s) to all property owners on Humboldt
Avenue (and on 73rd Avenue)
March 2,9, 1994 Notices of public hearing(s) published in the Brooklyn Center Post
1/19/94 - 2 -
March 14, 1994 Public hearing(s) conducted
• Resolution(s) ordering improvement(s) considered by City Council at
this meeting or at a future meeting.
Ms. Diane Spector reviewed the identified issues/problems as:
High volumes of traffic
High volumes of rush hour traffic
Difficulty getting into or out of driveways
- Drivers driving up on boulevards
- High volume of traffic endangers pedestrians
- Drivers violate speed limits
- Drivers u -turn or use a driveway to turn around
- Lack of sidewalk(s) on 73rd
Ms. Spector stated after-the issues and problems were identified research was done by City
Staff.
Mr. Mark Maloney, City Engineer, presented the results of the staff research. He reviewed
a study was done to determine if traffic signals were warranted under existing conditions and
the study found that a traffic signal was warranted at 69th/Humboldt intersection and
probably warranted at 73rd/Humboldt intersection. Some changes may need to be made in
the'timing of signals and geometry of intersections.
A Driving Time Study was also conducted to determine the benefit in time of using
Humboldt Avenue vs. TH 252. The study was conducted in November, 1993 and found
during the morning hours it was determined to be 1 1/2 minutes faster to use Humboldt
Avenue and in the afternoon hours it was determined to be 1 112 minutes slower using
Humboldt Avenue, The travel time was found to be greatly affected by weather and by
traffic reports broadcast on radio and the conditions on TH 252.
Traffic Counts were done to show the historic trend of traffic growth and found counts have
leveled off since TH 252 was built. The study estimates that over the course of an average
day approximately 1000 vehicles, or 10% of average daily traffic, are using Humboldt
Avenue as a bypass from TH 252,
A License Plate Study was done to record rush hour vehicles using Humboldt to bypass TH
252. Studies were done in September and in November, 1993 and found Morning Peak
Hour 7 -8- a.m. (Southbound) there were 869 plates recorded south of TH 252 and 189 or
22% of the same plates appeared south of 65th Avenue. During the Evening Peak Hour,
4;30 - 5 :30 p.m. (Northbound) 622 plates recorded at 65th A venue and 58 of those or 9%
appeared at TH 252. The results of the September and November studies were very similar
in results.
1/19/94 -3-
A License Plate Study was done on 73rd Avenue to determine the addresses of owners of
vehicles using 73rd Avenue during rush hours. License plates were recorded in October
1993 from 7 ;00 - 9:00 a.m, and 3:45 - 5:45 p.m. 60% of the vehicles recorded were
registered to Brooklyn Center or Brooklyn Park addresses. 10 % of vehicles were registered
to suburbs north of Brooklyn Park and 30% of vehicles were from greater Metro, outstate
or unregistered.
Mr. Sy Knapp presented the 11 options for addressing the issues relating to Humboldt and
73rd Avenue. Some of the options arc specific to Humboldt Avenue only. Many of the
options can be combined to provide a comprehensive approach. Since some of the options
would have the side effect of diverting traffic to other streets in the neighborhood, Option
11, Neighborhood Traffic Control Measures should be considered as a component of any
of the other options.
Some of the options would require the city to amend its Comprehensive Plan or to conduct
an environmental impact study. Another approach may be the implementation of temporary
improvements while time is taken to develop a permanent solution.
OPTION 1 Cul -de -sac on Humboldt Avenue just south of 73rd Avenue. This
was
op tion sug g ested b the Humboldt Avenue Residents Assoc
p Y
OPTION 2 Median barrier on 73rd at Humboldt. This would accomplish much
the same as a cul -de -sac, but would allow traffic to make right turns.
OPTION 3 Improvements within the existing right of way. Options on Humboldt
could include making the roadway narrower, adding a third, two -way -
left -turn lane, reconstructing the street the same width as existing; or
widening the street to four lanes. Options on 73rd Avenue could
include narrowing the street and making it slightly curvilinear, such as
was done on West River Road; reconstructing the street the same
width as e,dsting; or widening the road slightly to accommodate on-
street
h uld inclu consideration of a
'n . On 7 rd an ue
arks 3
parking. Y op tion s hould
sidewalk on one or both sides.
OPTION 4 Purchase the homes on one side of Humboldt and construct a 4 lane,
divided roadway (similar to 69th Avenue between W. Palmer Lake
Drive and Brooklyn Boulevard).
sips
' 1 1
OPTION 5 Add traffic control measures such as multiple al way gn
Y sto
Installation � f traffic s als on
intersections. Ano ther p ossibilit y is ins on v gn
p tY
Humboldt at 69th and/or 73rd.
OPTION 6 Designate Humboldt as a one -way street northbound and some other
street as its one -way southbound pair.
1/19/94 -4-
OPTION 7 Reconstruct Humboldt from 65th to 69th using a landscaped center
island, parkway approach. This plan would result in Humboldt looking
Iike Xerxes Avenue from CR 10 to I -94. This concept could also be
extended to the segment from 69th to 73rd.
OPTION 8 Modifications to the intersection of TH 252 and Humboldt (in
Brooklyn Park), Options might include disconnecting Humboldt from
TH 252 totally, removing just the southbound connection to Humboldt,
or prohibiting AM right turns onto Humboldt.
OPTION 9 Mn/DOT modifications to TH 252. Options might include
modification of the signals on TH 252; addition of a third lane north
of 73rd; or construction of improvements to the TH 252/1 -94/1 -694
interchange, where the main bottleneck appears to occur.
OPTION 10 Modifications to the Humboldt/TH 100 intersection. Options might
include closing the Humboldt entrance to TH 100 in the AM;
eliminatin g the Humboldt entrance b permanently closing or removing
YP Y g
the bridge to TH 100; or metering the entrance from Humboldt to TH
100.
OPTION 11 If any modifications create the side effect of diverting traffic to other
streets within the neighborhood, then neighborhood traffic control
• measures should be considered. Such measures might include: all way
Stop signs, partial or full diverters, chokers, other cul -de -sacs, traffic
circles, median barricrs, speed humps, basketweave Stop signs, or street
closures,
Mr. Capshaw invited residents at this time to ask any questions or voice any concerns they
may have.
RESIDENT QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS
Mr. Eli Iversen, 6900 Humboldt Avenue, stated he noticed all East and West streets on
Humboldt Avenue have stop signs. He believes if additional stop signs were placed it would
eliminate the problem of backing out of driveways. He stated he is in favor of the
basketweave stop signs outlined in Option 11.
Mr. Capshaw stated there were three questions submitted asking what does the City plan
to do with increased traffic on Newton, Logan, and Upton. Mr. Knapp stated whatevcr the
City does with traffic controls on Humboldt Avenue will not make the traffic disappear but
will most likely divert it to the other neighboring streets. If Options 8,9, or 10 were used
approximately 10% of the traffic would most likely disappear. The goal would be to make
it faster for people to use TH 252 rather than the side streets.
1 0 1/19/94 - 5 -
Mr. Mike Schwartz, 7100 Humboldt Avenue, stated a lot of the traffic is not just from TH
252 but also coming off Brookdale Drive. He would like to see some options included in
Option 11 be done, He added it is time for the citizens of Brooklyn Center to deal with the
volume of traffic instead of the City purchasing homes and moving them out of the
community. He stated maybe TH 252 should be upgraded to be able to handle the traffic.
His concern is safety on the streets.
Ms. Gladys Clasemann, 7225 Newton Avenue N, stated she is very concerned as to what will
happen with Newton Avenue, She encouraged the City to keep Newton in mind when
making any decision.
Mr. Capshaw read a question asking if the traffic helps the Humboldt businesses. Mr.
Splinter responded the City has not had discussions with the businesses as to what percent
of their patrons are using the section of Humboldt undcr discussion. The estimates show
that in general 10% of traffic on Humboldt is cut through and 90% is from area residents.
Charles Lenthe, 7007 Irving Avenue N, stated he first became aware of the issue when he
read in the newspaper about the possible closing of Humboldt Avenue. He believes if
Humboldt Avenue was closed the other streets, especially Newton and Dupont, will get the
traffic, He fears the diversion of traffic will cut into the businesses located on Humboldt
Avenue. He is concerned about the option of purchasing homes on Humboldt and asked
if staff had an estimate of what that option would cost. Mr. Lenthe was critical of the
notices mailed to the residents in the area. Notices went to residents only on Humboldt
Avenue and he feels others in the area should have been notified as it may also affect them.
The options should have been outlined in the notices so residents could have understood the
issue. He encouraged the staff and City Council to select an o lion that has a balance for
g ty
p
residents on Humboldt and in the greater neighborhood. He does not feel an option to be
considered should be to close Humboldt Avenue or to purchase homes on one side of
Humboldt Avenue.
ns have been with the City of
Mr. Ca Shaw read a question asking hat communications ty
p q
S
Brooklyn Park and what comments were received. Mr. Knapp responded the City of
Brooklyn Center has received two communications from the City of Brooklyn Park. One
was a letter from the Brooklyn Park Director of Engineering stating his concern with the
disruption of traffic and the other was a copy of a resolution adopted by the Brooklyn Park
City Council stating their objection to the possible closing of Humboldt Avenue.
Mr. Terry Precht, 7101 Fremont Avenue N., stated he purchased his home in Brooklyn
Center 29 years ago and added residents who live on Humboldt Avenue should have been
aware of the traffic problems when they purchased their homes. He questioned whether the
residents on Humboldt Avenue where the road is four lanes wide have as much trouble
getting out of their driveways, Mr. Precht stated Humboldt Avenue is a feeder street. if
a stop light was put at 69th and 73rd it would solve the problem of not getting out of the
driveways. Mr. Precht would like to see the business community revitalized on Humboldt
1/19/94 -6.
Avenue as the City has done a good job in cleaning up the area. He suggested City staff
• talk to residents north of 73rd and see how they like it. Mr. Capshaw rcininded the
residents staff has only suggested some options and has not decided as to the best one. Mr.
Splinter stated there are longer driveways in Brooklyn Park and the street is wider and
allows residents to have a turnaround in their driveways. Mr. Precht asked how much would
it take to make Humboldt Avenue as wide as it is north of 73rd. Mr. Knapp responded
seven to eight feet on either side of Humboldt,
Mr. Capshaw read a question submitted asking why staff keeps referring to the numbers
from the discredited study. Mr. Splinter stated the discredited study as the first one done.
The reason it was discredited was because the vehicle doing the study sat in the median with
its lights flashing �
and it was thought to divert traffic. However, the second study was done
more unobtrusively, and the results were very similar to the first, so it is believed both
studies were reasonably accurate,
Ms. Sue Wimans, 2248 Laramie Trail, Brooklyn Park, stated although she is a Brooklyn Park
resident she considers herself part of this community. She showed copies of the canccicd
checks she has spent in Brooklyn Center recently and added most were spent on Humboldt
Avenue, She uses Humboldt as an access to Brooklyn Center as there are no grocery stores
on the East side of Brooklyn Park, She stated if Humboldt was closed she would find
another alternative to get where she wants to go other than TH 252. Ms. Wimans stated
she spent $1000 in Brooklyn Center in the last month and spends an average of $500 in
Brooklyn Center in an average month, She agrees with the residents' concerns about
Newton Avenue. She asked if the City is saying to Brooklyn Park people, Brooklyn Center
does not want you. She reminded the City she is part of the community.
Mr. Capshaw read a question asking how much the City has spent so far on this project.
Mr. Splinter responded an estimate would be $15,000 - $20,000.
Mr. Larry Cuskey, 7024 Humboldt Avenue N., stated he has lived in Brooklyn Center since
1977. Mr. Cuskey showed on the city map what he feels the community is with borders on
Palmer bake, 66th Avenue, TH 252 and Brookdale Drive. He does not want to see 10,000
cars dropped onto the residential streets. He supports the Humboldt Avenue businesses.
He questioned why some of the alternatives presented are not being shown to the residents.
It was never proposed to move the traffic to other streets - the plan was to move it to TH
252. He would like to stop the traffic and get it back on TH 252. He does not believe the
street could be widened because it would take away the rivet yards of the residents along
the street. He believes the way Humboldt Avenue is currently configured it is an easy access
for crime.
Mr. Capshaw read a question asking if Humboldt was closed could TH 252 handle the
additional traffic when it comes to a dead stop now. Mr. Knapp stated if Humboldt Avenue
is closed the cars will go elsewhere and he believes a substantial amount of the traffic will
use the other side streets. He stated Mr. Cuskey most likely is in favor of Option 11 being
1/19/94 -7-
done to the other nearby streets. Mr. Knapp stated TH 252 does have some capacity
problems at this point in time. A main issue is the narrowing of TH 252 at 73rd from three
lanes to two lanes. TH 252 would have difficulty accepting additional traffic during the
morning rush hour. It is estimated people make 8 -10 trips a day.
Ms. Mary Wcekley, 8008 James Avenue N., stated she lives north of 73rd one block off of
Humboldt, She stated she uses Humboldt Avenue for everything as do must of the people
in her neighborhood, if Humboldt is closed she and her neighbors will use Newton or
Dupont as they do not want to use TH 252. She added the cars will not go away.
Humboldt is a feeder street and she feels closer to Brooklyn Center than to Brooklyn Park.
The meeting was recessed at 8:35 p.m. and reconvened at 8:50 p.m.
Mr. Capshaw read a question regarding some people clapping after someone speaks. Mr.
Capshaw reminded the residents present that clapping after a speaker is not appropriate and
they were asked to refrain in the future.
Ms. Kathy Tahlman, Cash Ete.,'stated she is representing the business community as she has
a business in Humboldt Square. She has also lived in Brooklyn Center since the 1970's. She
stated an attraction for her moving to the City of Brooklyn Center was the connection
between the cities. She considers the northern area residents as much a part of the
neighborhood as anyone. She sees the highway system as connecting the cities from one to
another rather than segmenting the cities, She stated her customer base is local and also
she gets business from these just passing through. The City needs to provide for the traffic
and address the concerns of the residents affected by the traffic. She added there are traffic
problems in every community and you can't just make it go away. Business is nothing
without the traffic. She hopes there is a way to solve this.
a question regarding p
Mr. Capshaw read ardin Option #7 as to how much of the boulevard would
e
q
need to be taken for this. Mr. Knapp stated the existing road is 30 feet wide and if cejlter
island was constructed it would need 14 more feet.
Ms. Deb Clotzbach, 1337 84th Avenue N., stated she lives near 84th and Humboldt. She
feels treated as an alien for living so far north. She stated it can take her 20 minutes to go
2 miles to Highway 694 and it takes her less time to go from there to downtown St. Paul,
She is frustrated every morning. She was upset with 65th Avenue being blocked off and
believes blocking off Humboldt will create more problems. She added Humboldt is a public
roadway and she should not be made to feel guilty for using it. She believes TH 252 should
be an interstate because the problem is so many stoplights.
Mr. Capshaw read a question regarding what can be done with TH 252. Mr. Siggerud,
f the residents , and Ivhi1DOT
t understands the concerns o
stated he
Mn/DOT representative, st
will work with the City of Brooklyn Center staff and Council to try to resolve it. He
reviewed some short term solutions to TH 252, one being the plan to look at and try to
1/19/94 -8-
adjust the signal timing. He fears the congestion will back up TH 252 and 694. Another
possibility is to extend the third lane of TH 252 further north from 73rd and look at doing
this in the southbound lane. He stated the major problem is the intersection of TH 252 and
694, which would cost a lot of money to reconstruct, money they don't have in their budget.
Mr. Capshaw read a question asking if it would be better hooking 610 to TH 252. Mr.
Siggerud stated this is not in the plans for the near future.
Mr. Roy Jensen, 7208 Humboldt Avenue N., stated he believes a lot of traffic is coming
from TH 252 and NW of Brooklyn Drive. He does not want to see Humboldt Avenue a
drive through and does not want to push the traffic on to the other residential streets. He
believes the studies are way off on their numbers. He suggested one solution would be to
put gates up during the rush hours, lie does not think Humboldt Avenue needs to be a
traffic feeder for Brooklyn Park. He suggested the speed violators be tagged and the City
Council needs to get the police to enforce the laws and take care of the traffic. Mr. Jensen
believes the best option is Option #6 the one -way solution, He stated if TH 252 were 6
lanes, people would use it, He added the option of purchasing homes to widen Humboldt
Avenue is an expensive option.
Mr. Capshaw read a question asking what happened to what was promised originally with
TH 252. Mr. Splinter responded he was here when TH 252 was opened. It was predicted
the capacity of the road would be reached but it was not anticipated to be this soon. Mr.
Splinter stated he does not recall the promise that 73rd and Humboldt would become a dead
end." Mr. Knapp stated he does not recall it being discussed as a proposal but it could have
been a very preliminary proposal.
Mr. Capshaw read a question asking why some of the signatures on the petition from
businesses are from as far away as Shingle Creek Parkway. Mr. Splinter Stated he does not
know. Mr. Capshaw asked if there was anything wrong with the second study. Mr. Splinter
responded there were no problems he was aware of.
Mr. Capshaw read a question asking when the zoning changed on Humboldt Avenue. Ms.
Spector reviewed the history of Humboldt Avenue. It became a State Aid Road in 1959.
Thcre was a neighborhood planning study done in 1961. Humboldt Avenue was designated
as a neighborhood collector street. The Comprehensive Plan was done in 1965 and at that
time the area was zoned R5. When the area was finally developed, the land on the east side
of Humboldt could not be developed as R5, so it was reluctantly approved as single family
housing,
Mr. Leland Stapher, 1113 73rd Avenue N., stated he does not want to block Humboldt
Avenue. He believes the best option would be to make Humboldt Avenue a one way street
and making Newton the southbound one -way pair. Mr. Stapher also believes 73rd Avenue
1/19/94 -9 -
should be a one way going West. He hopes his suggestion is of help to the Council. He
feels moving houses from kumboldt Avenue will hurt the businesses on Humboldt Avenue.
Mr. Capshaw read a question stating if 60% of the cars are from Brooklyn Park and
Brooklyn Center, what percent of cars are only from Brooklyn Center and why wouldn't
Brooklyn Center cars go to TH 252 from Brookdale Drive. Mr. Maloney clarified that these
statistics were regarding the 73rd Avenue License Plate Study. He stated of the 60 %, 25%
of the traffic waft from between 71st Avenue and Brookdale Drive, and 11% from between
Brookdale Drive and 85th Avenue. The remainder of the cars were from other areas.
Ms. Kay Stapher, 1113 73rd Avenue N., stated people are using the street as a commercial
street.
Mr. Capshaw read a question asking if all the shortcut traffic were eliminated, would the
residents on Humboldt Avenue be happy. Mr. Capshaw stated he is unable to answer that
question for the residents.
An unidentified Brooklyn Park resident stated this is a problem for Brooklyn Park also and
he suggests Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center work together to get a solution. He
believes blocking Humboldt Avenue would move the traffic slightly north. He suggested a
study be done to see how many of the cars cutting through on Humboldt are coming across
the river. He believes Mn/DOT needs to address the situation as TH 252 was not designed
to carry that much traffic.
Mr. _Capshaw read a question asking why the traffic counts only were done on north and
southbound traffic and not tho east and westbound traffic. Mr. Knapp stated the traffic
counts were taken at a time when information received from the residents stated their major
concern was traffic going from TH 252 to Highway 100 and the study was designed to look
at that particular traffic.
An unidentified resident stated the traffic should be divided among all the streets and the
problem is Mn/DOT°s problem. No residents should have to put up with 10,000 cars on
their street. He questioned how much of the traffic on Humboldt is diverted from TH 252
into the residential area. Mr. Knapp stated he does not know for sure.
An unidentified Brooklyn Park resident stated Xerxes is 4 lanes in Brooklyn Park but does
not continue through Palmer Lake to Brooklyn Center. Xerxes could carry a lot of traffic
if it were four lanes that entire length.
CLOSING COMMENTS
Mr. Splinter gave summary comments and stated the next step is for staff to prepare a
feasibility study for the January 31, 1994 City Council Work Session.
1114/94 - 10 -
Mr. Capshaw thanked the residents for their participation and invited them to attend the
January 31, 1994 Work Session in Constitution Hall at 7:00 p.m.
ADS( URNME -NT
The meeting was adjourned at 10:15 P.M.
Deputy City Clerk Todd Paulson, Mayor
Recorded and transcribed by:
Debbic Wolfe
TimcSaver Off -Site Secretarial
1/19/94
` YN CF,yT
1
BROOKLYN CENTER
POLICE DEPARTMENT
MEMORANDUM
TO: Sy Knapp, Director of Public Works
FROM: Trevor Hampton, Chief of Police
DATE: January 26, 1994
SUBJECT: Options for Humboldt Avenue and 73rd Avenue North
After careful review of the preliminary options for discussion as found in your
letter dated January 7, 1994, concerning the Humboldt and 73rd Avenue North
problem, the police administration has divided the options into two loose categories
based upon public safety considerations.
The first group would have a serious negative impact on the delivery of public
safety services within the city of Brooklyn Center and, therefore, we would be
opposed to the creation of these options. These options would include Option 1:
Cul -de -sac, Option 2: Median barrier on 73rd at Humboldt, Option 6: Designate
Humboldt as a one -way street northbound, Option 10: Modifications to the
Humboldt /TH 100 intersection and Option 11: Modification creating the side effect
of diverting traffic to the neighborhood and then increasing traffic control
measures.
The second group which we placed options into would be those options which we
did not feel would have a severe impact on the delivery of public safety services
by the Brooklyn Center Police Department. These options would include Option
3: Improvement within the existing right of way, Option 4: Purchase the homes
on one side of Humboldt and construct a 4 -lane, divided roadway, Option 5: Add
traffic control measures, Option 7: Reconstruct Humboldt from 65th to 69th,
0 Option 8: Modifications to the intersection of TH 252 and Humboldt and Option
9: Mn /DOT modifications to TH 252.
Memorandum to Sy Knapp, Director of Public Works .
Page 2
The department, at this time, has not made a decision to rate one option over
another, but only is serving to advise the Department of Public Works on those
options which we feel will not have a negative impact on our delivery of services
as opposed to those that we feel will.
TH /pjs
5`N 7 949
Y N
ir
BROOKLYN CENTER D e'?
FIRE DEPARTMENT
6301 Shingle Creek Parkway
Emergency Fire 911 Brooklyn Center, Minnesota 55430
Telephone - 569 -3360
TO: Jerry Splinter City Manager FAX - 561 -0717
FROM: Ron Boman Fire Chief
SUBJECT: Humboldt Ave. Possible Closing /Improvement
DATE: January 26, 1994
The Brooklyn Center Fire Department is gravely concerned about the possible closing or
termination of Humboldt Ave. at 73rd, Humboldt Avenue is a major north -south
thoroughfare for emergency vehicles when responding to fires and emergencies in the
northeast quadrant of Brooklyn Center. The closing or altering of Humboldt in such a
way as to restrict the flow of vehicles would also increase the time it would take the fire
• department to respond to fire and emergencies in the area.
Humboldt Ave. is also used by both Brooklyn Center's and Brooklyn Park's fire
department when responding to mutual aid fire calls in the northeast quadrant of each
city, this is especially critical in Brooklyn Center when we need Brooklyn Parks aerial
equipment when we have an apartment fire and need the use of there equipment for the
rescue of people trapped in the upper floors of apartments.
The closing or restricting of normal traffic flow could add 2 or more minutes to our fire
departments response to fires and emergencies in the immediate area, when you
consider that fire doubles in size every 2 minutes this would have a disastrous affect on
home owners and people living in the immediate area.
I am responding to each of the 11 options listed as possible solutions for Humboldt
Avenue in Sy Knapp's letter of January 7, 1994.
Options 1 & 2 To cul -de -sac or put a median barrier on 73rd at Humboldt
would not be acceptable for emergency response it would
increase our response time by 2 to 4 minutes, this would be
true even ifwe were to put a emergency vehicle access in this
design.
Option 3 This could work for the fire department although the
curvilinear street could slow our response down.
Page 2
Option 4 This would be an excellent option for emergency vehicles
Option 5 This would slow down emergency vehicles and also pose
addition danger to us as we would have swing out into the
oncoming lanes to get around traffic at stop signs
Option 6 This option would probably work ok although emergency
equipment responding
Y
ui ment res ndin into Brooklyn Center would have the
addition danger by traveling against traffic.
Option 7,8,9 Any of these options would work for the fire
department when responding to emergencies.
Option 10 The option of closing the Humboldt entrance in AM would be
ok as long as emergency vehicles could get through, we
could never permanently close the entrance or remove the
bridge over 100 as this is a major emergency route for the fire
station at 65th & Dupont to respond to emergencies in the
industrial and commercial areas, the permanently closing of
this entrance to 100 would more than 5 minutes to our
emergency response time to south and south west parts of
the city.
Option 11 This option would have to be looked at on a street by street
basis as modifications were proposed as diverters, chokers,
speed bumps would all have an adverse affect on the fire
departments ability to respond to emergencies, and would
increase our response time to emergencies.
In closing as Chief of the Brooklyn Center Fire Department I would be opposed to any
closing or cul -de -sacs, as the closing would decrease our ability to respond to fires and
emergencies in the northeast quadrant of our city, is could increase our response time
by 2 or 3 additional minutes, which are very critical when someone's home or life is
endangered.
i
IYI i D I rl r LUUK I tL : b 11 — J4y — lb (b J aft .2b ''J4 '3:,5( No . 004 P.02
M t_ T R O P O (. ! T A N I R A N
560 -6th Avenue North, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55411 -4398 612/349-74M
i 5 S' Q N
January 25, 1994
Mr. Sy Knapp, Director of Public Works
City of Brooklyn Center
6301 Shingle Creek Boulevard
Brooklyn Center, Minnesota 55430
Dear Mr, Knapp:
This letter is in response to your letter of January 7, 1994 in which you
outlined the options being considered to address the traffic concerns of
residents in the 73rd and Humboldt Avenue area. We appreciate the
opportunity to comment on this matter. We also realize the difficulty which the
City faces in attempting to address the concerns of area residents and we ho
that following information might prove helpful as you consider Pe
actions) to address.th.e ex the appropriate
expressed d concerns.
The Metropolitan Transit Commission (MTC) currently uses Humboldt Avenue
between 65th Avenue North and Brookdale Drive. Two routes use Hur nboldt
Avenue north of 67th Avenue. They are Routes #22J and #94F. These routes
Provide service, north of 67th, from' 5:45 am to 7:00 m,
Friday, Ridership for these routes is shown p on the attached Monday through
ro
Combs utc ma s.
Combined e area ridership for . these routes is 233 Passengers per w F
MTC feels strongly that the option which is selectee, should allow for buses to
continue to use Humboldt Avenue as a through route. Unlike other vehicle
traffic, the route which the bus takes must be central to the community which
it is serving. A central routing, such as Humboldt, allows us to serve the
maximum number of residents while maintainin
routing, g an efficient and direct
The closing of Humnboldt to bus traffic would have a negative impact on h
rider, p the
existing 233 daily s. The alternatives to the present routing would likely
inclucle a combination of the foll
owimig; longer trip times, a reduction in the
number of trips, circuitous routings and/or the elimination of service.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at 349 -7775.
Sincerely,
.Steve Mahowald
Transit Planner
Service Planning and Scheduling
i
MINNEAPOLIS ROUTE 94F
W aslh a aT AVe.
N.
-"� V _ asm
A. InOMAS CT_ j z O�C[MS t a 'A AV
H.
WAY
61 th Coq, F. 61111 { AT slh AYF g t CI• "': >t Y ■t h A` ' v 65th 1l •: g '
d 1r { + 14th Ay, r_
6214 i " AV 2na LM J V rLJ ~~ ISr L N
Y w 7 d
W ►YE 1L 2+10 AVE, ; 'y Alt ■
v � AR s2 ^d 43 N
6 •t A AY
it AV GNU alone ME E' sO
"'qr 1h r ° .! qU aino E AVF_
so gist
�ra A itai tQ ~ Stl
s S h t AVE. O th j A E 'iy ` F •c
~ c
t:t
th
}---� t
nth AYF. K �iJ OUCrOHT. oath CT.
RSLg4 tti
t A.?A MSC t1l Ar(
itth )11th I.
YlltiERAIEJI T7 V. 27th
Tith AVI. ,�dA E ta h A
AC TK.
Avr
i.
' ri h r 1 `60b AW,
T S <
C.O.A. IRI]DE HZPJDA 1 i " ct+t
.th Are �� A IL
u
1 4EAIMVttppp
33rd/Noble to B rook - dale Dr Aiumboldt 54�a (62/115) Ci' E
rese AV °f
i. a ieth rt �AV£.
3rooktlale Dr./Humbolt to 1 13% (15/115} `� " :vs. = �'� i 'fd. Zf ItAT
Ised AYE. IL
7 boldt to 67th/Humbolt 21% (24/115) r2nd A � r9ap 9I L
i v A ALDRICH
J7 AMY AVE_ V K cr. 1,`nd
ddHum x
bolds to Hwy 252/66
Y � I2% (14/115 ) AVE. Av. � it.t AV
c y
r
TO
i � i . tOtt
LAYING LA_
i� EME'RSON I.A.
J C9m AVE. K tlth
k AVE_ tL g
f W t
W
CT th AYI_ trth K N
r
� CSm Ar. 6
tl 61 It Aye ` t
�t
TV1_ZNNEAPOL ROUT zz J
W Sth �°, '-'� AVE.
+ N.
4n eSrn AV N
T>AS CT. Z r
AMC.
WAY
84th Cl, 4tA 'y.
r AY et F . s4 rn Ar u fifth Ay.
J.VF tiL w Thd AYE, ~ AY aM1A C1R _ � Oha Yt y
� ■2
v AAA nd
qef etaf AME +yL r 7 j CLOY 82na Avg s FCARSON
at AV OQEG71 GAVE '� F J aYL aInd AYE.
v ♦r loth Rtet r y SUMIT
G 7
AVE' �R J R
wtn AYE ' x rLn o . Nt ►� } cw r 9 '1 118r
th 71M 4 AVE- N- �� ,` 4 1 moth ti.
T ^ ! t fLC VSio►rC TR. _ f.
t' 'ARA utC iR AVE
ilM • Ta M. 7]M
Toth CT. V"H I t MM
)Oth AV, ,,t q Tom AYE' C t0 a� TR. 9 N K
in C }
y 4 1
C.O.A. RIDERSHIP.DATA tc tr�i v Tint AVE -
T +
83rd/Noble to Brookdale Dr./HuTnboldt 1490 (16/118) `� 1
'tn AYE_ �R 4` A k 4tfjppMx000
BrOOkfte DrJHumbolt to I wnboldt/73rd 3% (31119) cT• 3 T�'Jr Am nA-
t. �'. • 78th Avg
Humboldt/73rd to Humboldt/67th 52% (61/118) 109 "" :Y T kO xAY r
Txd YE. tc
67th/Humboldt to 65th/Ilumboldt 0 LA.
3290 (381118) T2nd AYE.
zd AtgRTC
9p 71
AYY AYE, � 17n1
it at AV. ^ flat AVr. �A
�
f�ERSOM �A.
filth AvE. K i)th g
AVE. H. ^'
$ Y 2S
1 4
�I K
• crtn AYE, • ut
r<
• .a �yii 6
� cStn
AV- 6 h Ayr
64 h AVE V \�
Tf y t
�OF
Engineering
BROOKLYN 5200 85th Ave. No., Brooklyn Park, MN 55443 -4300 ■ Phone 612 424 -8000 ■ Fax 612 493 -8391
PARK TDD 612 493 -8392
GARY E. BROWN, P.E. January 18, 1994
City Engineer
Mr. Sy Knapp, City Engineer
City of Brooklyn Center
6301 Shingle Creek Parkway
Brooklyn Center, Mn. 55430
Subject: Humboldt Avenue
Dear Mr. Knapp:
Please find enclosed a certified Resolution #1994 -17 regarding the
City of Brooklyn Park's concerns over improvements to Humboldt
Avenue.
As I indicated to you in my letter of December 7, 1993, the City of
Brooklyn Park maintains that Humboldt Avenue is an important
collector street for both communities. Hopefully, your City
Council will recognize the importance of this roadway to both
g P Y
communities in that it works to provide a safe travel way to both
the residents who live along it as well as the general public who
uses it as other collector type streets. Furthermore, the City
Council has directed me to present this Resolution to your City
Council at your scheduled meeting of January 31, 1994.
Sincerely,
Gary Brown, P.E.
Director of Engineering -,
� D
GE B /md D ,
Enclosure
III 1 s
aril
i
® "eocleG Piper
ry Qir
• RESOLUTION 1994 -17
RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE CITY OF
BROOKLYN CENTER UPGRADE
HUMBOLDT AVENUE NORTH
WHEREAS, The City of Brooklyn Center has indicated an interest
in possibly closing Humboldt Avenue within the City of Brooklyn
Center, and
. WHEREAS, Humboldt Avenue has been a major collector street as
part of both the City of Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center's
transportation system, and
WHEREAS, Humboldt Avenue is an important north /south corridor
which provides emergency access to both communities, and
WHEREAS, other streets such as Newton, Dupont, Meadowbrook and
73rd Avenue would receive substantial increases in traffic due to
the closure of Humboldt Avenue
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City
of Brooklyn Park that it hereby encourages the City of Brooklyn
Center to improve Hummboldt Avenue so that it can safely serve an
excess of 10,000 cars per day and also safely serve the residents
who reside along Humboldt Avenue.
The foregoing resolution was introduced by Councilmember Feess and
duly seconded by Councilmember Pearson.
The following voted in favor of the resolution: Stromberg, Feess,
Gustafson, Arbogast Pearson and Enge.
The following voted against: None.
The following were absent: Ventura.
Whereupon the resolution was adopted.
ADOPTED: JANUARY 10, 1994
DALE GUSTAFSON, MAYOR PRO -TEM
1994 -17
CERTIFICATE
STATE OF MINNESOTA
COUNTY OF HENNEPIN
CITY OF BROOKLYN PARK
I, the undersigned, being the duly qualified and acting Clerk
of the City of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, hereby certify that the
above resolution is a true and correct copy of the resolution as
adopted by the City Council of the City of Brooklyn Park on January
11, 1994.
WITNESS my hand officially as such Clerk and the corporate
seal of the City this 11th day of January, 1994.
MYRN� MAIKKULA, CITY CLERK
(SEAL)
1994 -17
Engineering
BROOKLYN 5200 85th Ave. No., Brooklyn ParI2, MN 55443 -4300 ■ Phone 612 424 -8000 ■ Fax 612 493 -8391
PARK TDD 612 493 -8392
GARY E. BROWN, P.E. December 9, 1993
City Engineer
Mr. Sy Knapp
Director of Public Works
City of Brooklyn Center
6301 Shingle Creek Parkway
Brooklyn Center, Mn. 55430
Subject: Humboldt Avenue
Dear Sy:
Several months ago we met regarding issues pertaining to our respective
cities. During that discussion we talked about Humboldt Avenue and the
possibility of cul -de- sacking Humboldt. I read with interest this morning in
Northwest News about your 'affected citizens and their concerns about
w creased traffic on Humboldt Avenue. Our new Transportation Master Plan has
umboldt Avenue classified as a major collector. The Comprehensive Plan that
was adopted in 1982 listed Humboldt Avenue as a`major collector street. The
following average daily traffic volumes indicate a growth in the number of
trips per day, and reflects the tremendous expansion of new homes in this
area of Brooklyn Park:
Traffic Counts for Humboldt Avenue
Year South of Brookdale North of Brookdale
1977 3500 1842
1983 6515 4750
1993 9321 7422
2000 * 10900 9200
2010 * 12700 10700
* Computer model projections.
The 2010 projection of 12,700 ADT reflects less than a 1.2 percent growth per
year from 1991, which we believe to be an accurate reflection of the traffic
based on computer modeling and upon the fact that Brooklyn Park will be fully
developed.
Brooklyn Park has always considered Humboldt Avenue'a major street, and our
future plans are predicated on Humboldt Avenue functioning as a major street.
f Brooklyn Center cuts off Humboldt Avenue, then there will be serious
ransportation system ramifications in Brooklyn Park, and in Brooklyn Center
&„ 7
Sy Knapp
December 9, 1993 0
Page 2
as well. Such a maj or change to the street system would require that we
modify our City's Comprehensive Plan.
Cutting off Humboldt Avenue south of 73rd Avenue will result in the
displacement of 8,000/10,000 cars per day to other streets in both cities.
A traffic impact study should be done to determine where this displaced
traffic will go and what improvements may be needed on these other streets to
handle the increased traffic volumes. It is obvious that streets, such as
73rd Avenue and all the north /south streets between Newton Avenue and T.H.
252, will experience traffic increases to some degree if Humboldt Avenue is
cut off. Many of these impacted streets in Brooklyn Park are low volume
residential streets, and I suspect that the same is true for most impacted
streets in Brooklyn Center. Having traffic increases of possibly thousands
of cars per day on these streets will be totally unacceptable to the
residents living on these streets.
In addition to a traffic impact study, an environmental assessment worksheet,
and possibly an environmental impact statement should be completed for the
proposed closing of Humboldt Avenue. The closing of such a high volume
roadway and the displacement of the traffic to other streets has th
potential for significant environmental effects and will certainly impa
travel time and fuel consumption. There may also be serious adverse impact
to the business along Humboldt Avenue both in Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn
Center.
Brooklyn Park shares Brooklyn Center's concern that some traffic is diverting
from T.H. 252 to Humboldt Avenue due to the poor level of service on T.H. 252
during the peak traffic periods. We are willing to work with you to lobby
MnDOT for improvements to T.H. 252 and I -94/I -694 that will take care of this
congestion related problem. However, it should be recognized that
eliminating the diverting traffic from T.H. 252 will not change the need to
have a high volume major collector street, such as Humboldt Avenue, in this
area.
It would be my intent that during our meeting with Mr. Siggerud, District
Engineer, that we should stress that due to the backups of T.H. 252 our
collector and arterial streets are having to pick up the slack. This is
unfair to our citizens and efforts should be made to correct the problem.
Joint resolutions to MnDOT regarding our mutual concerns could be considered
by our City Councils.
Sinc ely,
Gary Zrown, P.E.
Dir of Engineering
GEB /md
North
Medical
�o= Transportati
Servi es
December 29, 1993
Mr. Jerry Splinter
City of Brooklyn Center
6301 Shingle Creek Parkway
Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
Dear Mr. Splinter:
I received a phone call from a concerned businessman yesterday with regard to
the potential closing of Humboldt Avenue at 73rd Avenue North. While it sounds
as if this is in a very preliminary discussion stage, I agreed to send you a letter
voicing our concerns.
Humboldt Avenue is currently used to respond to and from emergencies in the
areas adjacent to it in both Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park. We find
Humboldt Avenue a convenient route when appropriate to minimize our
response times. While other routes would be available to meet the needs of the
community, we would at this time support keeping Humboldt Avenue open
through the 73rd Avenue North intersection.
Please contact Mike Parrish, Director of North Medical Transportation Services,
or me should ou have further questions s or need for discussion.
q
S 7rryv rely,
6
J
/�—
D. oen Di erector
Emergency and Trauma Services
North Memorial Medical Center
JDM:mf
cc: Eli Iversen
North Medical Transportation Services 3300 North Oakdale ' Robbinsdale, MN 55422 ' 612 - 520 -1438
Nleducai
c -% Transportation
SffVi6s
January 14, 1994
Mr. Michael Schwartz
7100 Humboldt Avenue North
Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
II I.
l -.
Dear Mr. Schwartz:
In your letter of January 4, 1994, you requested several data items. After reviewing
your request with our ambulance dispatch manager, we are unable to provide the
specifics you request without incurring the expense of writing a program allowing us to
_ 9 P
9 P 9 9
retrieve this specific c data from our dispatch computer P ut system. In addition the data prior
P P Y
P
to 1992 would have to be extracted from handwritten dispatch logs which would require
a number of hours of labor. We were able to ull the total numb p be of ambulance
requests for the cities of Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park for 1992 and 1993.
City - - 1992 1993
Brooklyn Center 1,700 requests 1,924 requests .
Brooklyn Park 2,540 requests 2,845 requests
As mentioned above, we unfortunately cannot break these into geographic regions
without writing a special program to retrieve the data. In my phone conversations with
you and in your letter, you have mentioned that your association is supportive of a
r restricted em "
hi
an �� E
allowed for ergencyve acce ch ges t�'Ki6bo Av tlra I
,,., 3•f:,yy -mac ', s '.. i..r...� . .. . ,e .: " •x--% " w ...�,,.
a restricted emergency vehicle access would certainly meet our needs:
Thank you for the information surrounding this issue.
Sincerely,
Je�D. Mcen, Director
Emergency and Trauma Services
North Memorial Medical Center
JDM:mf
cc: Jerry Splinter
N.'orth Medical
TO: CITY COUNCIL
Y l Y N FROM: CHAMBER BOARD of DIRECTORS
C E N T E R
CHAMBER OF
C O M M E R C E RE: HUMBOLDT AVE TRAFFIC
I
WHEREAS, Humboldt Avenue has been and still is a thoroughfare for traffic
FROM Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park Neighborhoods, as well as some TH 252
traffic, TO businesses on Humboldt Avenue, including Humboldt Square, and other
businesses use sses in Brooklyn Center, rook)
including '
.. Y
din Brookdale and
9
WHEREAS, Humboldt Avenue between 69th & 73rd is the only narrow section
of avenue between TH 252 and TH 100, and
WHEREAS, TH 252 is a major highway serving through traffic FROM the north
suburban area TO the major highway /freeway system which provides access to down-
town Minneapolis, Brooklyn Center businesses and surrounding suburbs, and
WHEREAS, there are single family residences between 70th & 73rd with drive-
ways
s e itin
directly n
0
to Humboldt Avenue, e ue f
Y creating safety 9
Y 9 Y P roblems
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Brooklyn Center Chamber of Commerce
ails on the City of Brooklyn Center to act on the following short term solutions:
* Keep Humboldt Avenue open to through traffic.
* Create safer conditions for the residents in the subject five blocks by
widening the avenue and providing parking lanes within the existing right
of way to provide safer access from driveways.
* Work with Mn /DOT to modify TH 252 to improve traffic flow.
AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED, that the Brooklyn Center Chamber of Commerce
calls on the City of Brooklyn Center to plan for the following long term solutions:
* Purchase the residences on one side of Humboldt in the subject area and
widen the roadway as required and provide a service road for the residents.
* Work with Mn /DOT and others to complete 610 Crosstown and upgrade
roadways east of the river for better distribution of traffic thus easing
traffic on TH 252.
6205 EARLE BROWN DRIVE SUITE 110 BROOKLYN CENTER, MN 55430 • (612) 566 -8650 ::....:................
Minnesota Department of Transportation
Metropolitan Division
a Waters Edge Building
® 1500 West County Road B2
(O*F Roseville, Minnesota 55113
January 11, 1994
Mr. Sy Knapp
Director of Public Works
City of Brooklyn Center
6301 Shingle Creek Parkway
Brooklyn Center, Minnesota 55430
RE: Humboldt Avenue between T.H. 100 and T.H. 252
Dear Mr. Knapp:
We appreciate the opportunity to have met with you regarding the proposed changes to
Humboldt Avenue. Many times, changes undertaken on local streets have significant impacts
on other routes and nearby trunk highways. Let me begin with some discussion about the
condition of trunk highway (T.H.) 252 and Humboldt Avenue as they are today:
T.H. 252 is a major commuter route, connecting the northwestern suburbs via a
signalized expressway to the greater metropolitan area. Many communities benefit by
using this route, both for workday commuting, and personal business. Although the
design of T.H. 252 was intended to provide adequate access, we find that it, like many
other metro highways and freeways, has become congested during the morning and
evening peak hours. Based on actual and perceived travel times, many drivers often
choose to take alternate routes, rather than remaining on congested mainline highways.
This often causes concern for those people who live along alternate routes, which is
understandable.
Humboldt Avenue is currently classified as a collector street. It often acts as a reliever
to T.H. 252 traffic, and may actually be functioning as a minor arterial. Although, with
this functional classification, it is possible to limit connections to T.H. 252 and T.H.
100, the additional congestion on T.H. 252 and other parallel routes may increase the
hardship to both local residents, and motorists in general. Closing connections may
merely relocate the problem, and result in solving one issue only to create others.
An Equal Opportunity Employer
Mr. Sy Knapp •
January 11, 1994
Page Two
Let me address the specific actions that we discussed on December 14, 1993.
Totally disconnect Humboldt Avenue from T.H. 252.
This action could be accomplished physically. From a Mn/DOT perspective, given the
number of vehicles which would actually be diverted each day, it appears to be relatively
low benefit. This would increase congestion along T.H. 252, however, the data collected
by SRF indicates that a small, percentage of the diverted vehicles actually came from
locations north of Brooklyn Park. Our assessment is that a majority of the traffic
traveling south on Humboldt Avenue is local traffic. In addition, this action is within
the limits of the City of ; Brooklyn Park. In 1987, the City of Brooklyn Park
reconstructed the portion of Humboldt Avenue between Brookdale Drive and 79th
Avenue under SAP 110 - 107 -03. If the cities pursue the closure of Humboldt Avenue at
the north end, the City of Brooklyn Park would be required to remove the segment of
Humboldt Avenue from Brookdale Drive to T.H. 252 from their Municipal State Aid
System. In addition, the City of Brooklyn Park would be required to pay back a prorated
portion of the State Aid funds used for the construction of this road. The City of
Brooklyn Center should discuss this matter with the City of Brooklyn Park.
Remove the southbound (only) connection from T.H. 252 to Humboldt Avenue.
This action would likely result in much the same scenario as that described in the
previous paragraph. The advantage being that northbound traffic is not restricted to
using Humboldt Avenue, which may provide some relief for afternoon rush hour traffic
(this does not appear to be a significant volume, based on SRF data). The city may find
that some motorists, who want to use Humboldt Avenue will find alternate routes,
including those major streets which run perpendicular to Humboldt Avenue (73rd, 69th,
etc.), thus only relocating the traffic. In addition, the State Aid designation MSA 107
(Brooklyn Park) for the segment of Humboldt Avenue between Brookdale Drive and
T.H. 252 may be in jeopardy.
Prohibit right turns from southbound T.H. 252 to Humboldt Avenue during the
morning rush hour.
This is a feasible alternative. Mn/DOT experience, however, indicates that there is
usually an enforcement issue with these type of traffic restrictions, and often local police
lack the personnel to uphold the law. We are also concerned about the effects on
highway safety and the use of other access roadways by motorists with destinations other
than southbound T.H. 100 (local streets, westbound I -94, etc.). Again, the volume of
through traffic, destined for southbound T.H. 100 is a relatively small percentage of total
traffic along this route.
Mr. Sy Knapp
January 11, 1994
Page Three
Improvements to the traffic signal systems on T.H. 252 (i.e. signal optimization).
The T.H. 252 corridor is currently running at capacity. We will look into whether or
not T.H. 252 would benefit from optimization of the signal systems, although it appears
unlikely that this option would provide for significantly better travel times or congestion
relief. Any improvements to the signalization of the T.H. 252 corridor would likely
increase delay to traffic on the cross streets, and optimization would be limited by the
capacity of the I- 94/694 interchange. Should this option be pursued, and the cities of
Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center would be required to participate, State Aid funds
could be applied to the revisions made which affect existing State Aid roadways.
Geometric (physical) improvements to T.H. 252 to reduce peak hour congestion.
Two projects are currently scheduled for letting on April 22, 1994. One is to extend the
northbound third lane through the Brookdale Drive intersection and drop it on the right
rather e than on the left, as in the current configuration. The other project will
gu p � add a
double left northbound and a free right turn to southbound T.H. 252 at 85th Avenue.
We are also considering a change to the third lane, which adds on at 73rd. The proposal
is to extend the third lane northward through the intersection, and relocate the left turn
• lane. This could help capacity through the intersection, and potentially improve travel
along T.H. 252.
There has also been talk of extending the third lane as far north as the Humboldt/81st
Avenue intersection. South of this location, it would be technically feasible to install a
third lane in the median, however, current regulations prohibit the installation of
additional lanes without an HOV (high occupancy vehicle) designation. North of the
Humboldt/81st Avenue intersection, it would be more difficult to install a third lane,
given the narrow nature of the median, and the grade differences caused by the
superelevation. This extension would be expensive, but could be accomplished.
Mn/DOT has no plans to construct the third lane in the near future, however, layouts for
this area include the third lane so that plans can accommodate its construction when it
becomes feasible.
Mn/DOT has no plans, at the present time, to reconstruct or modify the existing
interchange of T.H. 252/1- 94/694. Although the capacity of the interchange does effect
the flow of T.H. 252, the exit ramp for vehicles to access T.H. 100 is rarely congested.
An modifications to the interchange terchange would be inhibited by the signalized intersections
along T.H. 252, which currently run at capacity. Because the driver's decision to take
an alternate route appears to be made further north along T.H. 252, enhancements to this
area would be unlikely to significantly reduce the number of commuter trips along
Humboldt Avenue.
Mr. Sy Knapp
January 11, 1994
Page Four
Removal of the Humboldt Avenue to T.H. 100 bridge over I -694.
This option would not be a popular alternative, for either commuters, or those people
who live in Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park. Although there appears to be a number
of motorists who use Humboldt Avenue for a commuter route, the majority of trips
appear to represent local traffic. Closure of this connection would surely punish the
majority for the benefit of the minority. Mn/DOT typically does not close facilities for
problems other than safety enhancements or roadway replacements, and finds that this
proposal accomplishes neither.
Closure of the Humboldt Avenue to T.H. 100 connection during peal: morning
hours.
This alternative appears to inconvenience far more local residents than the commuter
traffic it would deter. The relatively small percentage of commuter through trips makes
this an unattractive alternative.
Metering southbound traffic on the ramp from Humboldt Avenue to T.H. 100
during morning rush hours.
Mn/DOT does not plan, at this time, to meter this ramp. Our current practice of
metering is driven by the need to manage congestion along mainline freeways and not
to restrict traffic for the benefits of the local communities.
We would suggest that the city also pursue internal alternatives for reducing commuter traffic
along Humboldt Avenue. Additional "neighborhood" traffic controls along Humboldt would
likely increase the commute time required, and eliminate the time savings for those motorists
using this as an alternate route. Increasing the driving time by a small amount would be enough
to offset the 1 1/2 minute savings shown by the "Driving Time" survey referred to in your
preliminary engineering report.
We have also had success in assisting cities to identify long term goals and roadway
enhancements through regional task forces. The T.H. 52 task force is currently working toward
improvements along the T.H. 52 corridor in the areas of Rosemount and Inver Grove Heights.
This work has been on -going for the past year. The development of an access plan and
congestion management plan for the Cities of Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park is a regional
issue, and would be facilitated by the formation of such a group. Mn/DOT would be a willing
participant in such an effort, should the cities decide to form a task force.
Mr. Sy Knapp
January 11, 1994
Page Five
We are willing to meet to discuss these issues and alternatives so that viable solutions can be
identified and implemented. We look forward to working with you.
Sincerely,
Charles A. Siggerud, P.E.
Division Engineer
cc: G. Splinter, City Manager
Gary Brown, Director of Public Works - Brooklyn Park