The American Boulevard Corridor Transit Study took center stage as the commission delved into plans to enhance transit and redevelopment along American Boulevard, particularly in light of changes to I-94. The study presented a vision for American Boulevard to evolve into a more effective corridor, focusing on bus rapid transit options, community priorities, and land use possibilities. This comprehensive approach seeks to address the existing role of American Boulevard as a crucial east-west connector while exploring its potential to support increased transit accessibility.

Public engagement played a role in the study, with surveys and an open house gathering valuable community feedback. Residents expressed a strong desire for dedicated transit spaces, improved pedestrian safety, and increased greenery along the corridor. Concerns about pedestrian safety, especially at crossings where the street can span nine lanes, were emphasized. The study explored four potential BRT routes, with two—one extending to Southdale and another to Northeast Minneapolis—standing out due to their performance and viability, particularly for low-income households reliant on public transit.

The relationship between transit and land use was a componet of the study, highlighting the need for alignment between transit investments and land use planning. Certain areas along American Boulevard were identified as having valuable land but low-value structures. The study suggested changes to zoning to facilitate denser housing and reduced parking requirements, aligning with future land use aspirations.

The thematic concept of American Boulevard as “Bloomington’s front porch” influenced discussions, prompting questions about the desired character and aesthetics of the corridor. This notion aligns with community feedback. The study’s findings are intended to inform the city’s upcoming comprehensive plan, framing the interrelationship between transit improvements and land use strategies as vital for sustainable growth and enhanced livability.

Additionally, the commission discussed the potential redevelopment along American Boulevard, focusing on areas that are auto-oriented or low density. A map highlighted priority redevelopment parcels, which either have low structure values or are vacant. Recommendations for new zoning designations included high-intensity transit-oriented development (TOD) for areas within a five-minute walk from American Boulevard and corridor-oriented development for slightly lower intensity further away. These changes aim to facilitate dense development along the transit corridor.

A traffic analysis was deemed necessary to ensure the feasibility of proposed changes concerning traffic flow. The role of Metro Transit as regional decision-makers for BRT was discussed, with some questioning the rationale behind route decisions, particularly concerning direct service to the airport.

Concerns about balancing improved transit infrastructure with Bloomington’s auto-oriented nature were raised. Enhancing pedestrian and biking infrastructure while acknowledging the challenges posed by a car-dependent population was emphasized.

The commission also touched on the city’s Pavement Management Program (PMP), focusing on street reconstruction, utility upgrades, and multimodal improvements. Strategies for managing street widths during reconstruction were discussed. The assessment policy, in place since the 1960s, allows the city to assess costs based on benefits received, using an adjusted front footage value for reconstruction costs.

A systematic approach to the PMP was outlined, including annual drive-arounds to update project maps, neighborhood meetings, and assessment estimates for property owners. A public open house is scheduled for October 22nd for residents on Stanley Avenue, discussing a new sidewalk to fill gaps in pedestrian infrastructure. Enhancing pedestrian connectivity and addressing gaps in the sidewalk network, particularly in the Humboldt area, were prioritized.

The commission explored implications of proposed parking restrictions, potential new sidewalks, and advanced traffic studies for projected projects in 2027. Public input was emphasized, with community engagement being a critical factor in the planning process.