The committee’s examination of the Franklin Avenue Reconstruction Project revealed a host of concerns from local business owners and residents about the proposed design changes and their accompanying financial burdens. A representative from a local business vocally opposed the assessment, arguing that the Franklin Avenue Bridge had been recently reconstructed and was in perfect condition. This individual stressed the importance of maintaining the left-turn lane at a key intersection to support the Minneapolis Institute of Art and other businesses, noting that it had been an important element in previous project planning stages. They pointed out that the removal of this lane could disrupt traffic patterns and negatively affect community accessibility.

Steve Mogel, another concerned citizen, highlighted potential traffic chaos due to the redesign, mentioning that East Franklin sees a high volume of automobile traffic compared to pedestrian use. He expressed frustration over losing parking spaces during prior construction and recounted incidents of vehicular damage to his building. Mogel suggested implementing a parking area for loading and unloading to mitigate these issues, given the history of traffic-related damage.

Joan Little, representing her family’s property interests, voiced objections to the financial assessments. She argued that the project would intrude on their property by eliminating valuable yard space and tenant parking, which could force them to increase rents to cover the assessment costs. Little questioned the rationale for including their property within the assessment area, as it does not directly border Franklin Avenue.

In response to these concerns, the committee revisited discussions about the left-turn lane removal. A transportation planner involved in the project asserted that the design was a product of extensive public engagement and aimed to cater to pedestrians and cyclists while balancing the needs of all roadway users. The project’s manager elucidated the reasoning behind the lane’s removal, citing space constraints and an emphasis on safety and efficiency. He clarified that while the bridge itself would remain largely untouched, changes to surrounding infrastructure were necessary to implement new lane configurations and bicycle facilities.

The issue of loading and unloading zones was also addressed, with the project manager noting that Franklin Avenue’s improvements do not allow for parking or designated loading areas due to spatial limitations and priorities established through public consultation. Adjustments to parking on nearby streets would require separate considerations in future projects.

The committee further explored the methodology behind the financial assessments for the Franklin Avenue project. An explanation was provided that the assessment is calculated using a uniform rate applied to an influence area, which may include properties not directly adjacent to the construction site. This approach ensures that all properties benefiting from the improvements contribute to their costs, though it remains a contentious aspect of the process.

Following the discussion of Franklin Avenue, the committee unanimously approved the assessment for the Pennhurst Residential Street Resurfacing Project. This project involves resurfacing streets in an area that has not seen major maintenance since 1990, with a special assessment totaling approximately $749,363.11. Although the community meeting for this project drew minimal attendance, the committee noted the importance of extending the lifespan of city streets, especially those not slated for preventive maintenance. The committee emphasized the availability of hardship deferments for eligible seniors, disabled individuals, and veterans.

Additionally, the meeting included routine approvals of items on the consent agenda, which encompassed various transit-related studies, grant applications for local trails, geothermal projects, and a legislative directive concerning Nicollet Mall. Notably, a proposal to deny a stormwater charge credit application from the Lakewood Cemetery Association was successfully added and approved as part of the consent agenda without discussion.