HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-03-2021 Traffic Commission Packet
TRAFFIC COMMISSION
City Hall—Council Chambers, 590 40th Ave NE
Monday, May 03, 2021
5:30 PM
AGENDA
NOTICE THAT THIS MEETING MAY BE CONDUCTED BY A COMBINATION OF IN PERSON AND ELECTRONIC
MEANS
Following a determination by City Manager Kelli Bourgeois, and emergencies declared by the United States,
The State of Minnesota, and the Columbia Heights Mayor & City Council, this meeting may, pursuant to Minn.
Stat. § 13D.021, occur by a combination of in-person and electronic means. In all meeting formats, members of
the public who wish to attend may do so by attending in-person, by calling 1-312-626-6799 and
entering meeting ID 872 1220 2150, or by Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87212202150 at the
scheduled meeting time. For questions regarding this notice, please contact the City Clerk at (763) 706-3611.
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
1. Appointment of New Chairperson
APPROVE MINUTES
2. Approval of October 5, 2020 Minutes
OLD BUSINESS
3. Revise Stop Sign Locations on 51st Avenue Between Washington Street and Central Avenue; Add
Crosswalks at the Park Entrances
NEW BUSINESS
4. Request for No Parking During Student Arrival and Dismissal Times on the South Side of 42nd
Avenue and the West Side of 4th Street for Prodeo Academy
5. Request for Traffic Calming Measures on Reservoir Boulevard from 37th Avenue to 40th Avenue
6. Request for Traffic Calming Measures on Stinson Boulevard from 45th Avenue to Silver Lake Beach
Park
REPORTS
City Engineer
7. Meeting Date and Time
Police Chief
Commissioners
ADJOURNMENT
Auxiliary aids or other accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request when the request is made at
least 72 hours in advance. Please contact Administration at 763-706-3610 to make arrangements.
1
U N A P P R O V E D
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS TRAFFIC COMMISSION
MONDAY, October 5, 2020
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 5:26 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present: Clerkin, Doty, Finkelson, Nekora, Schluender
Staff present: Kathy Young, Assistant City Engineer
Erik Johnston, Police Captain
Sue Schmidtbauer, Administrative Assistant
Council Liaison: Robert Williams (Absent)
APPOINTMENT OF NEW CHAIRPERSON
Leonard Olson decided to not reapply to the Traffic Commission. His term ended April 1, 2020. The Traffic
Commission needs to appoint a new chairperson.
Motion by Doty, seconded by Schluender, to appoint Sean Clerkin as the new chairperson of the Traffic
Commission. Motion passed unanimously.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by Doty, seconded by Schluender, to approve the minutes of November 4, 2019 as presented.
Motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS
None
OTHER OLD BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
A. REQUEST FOR STOP SIGNS AT THE INTERSECTION OF 6TH STREET AND 43RD AVENUE
REQUEST FOR STOP SIGNS AT THE INTERSECTION OF 7TH STREET AND 43RD AVENUE
Ms. Katy Hahn has requested stop signs at the intersections of 6th Street and 7th Street at 43rd
Avenue. Her concern is accidents and near misses at these intersections.
The intersection of 6th Street and 43rd Avenue was reviewed by the Traffic Commission in December
2011. The request for stop signs was denied due to not meeting the MMUTCD guidelines.
On 6th Street traffic stops at 42nd Avenue and 44th Avenue. On 43rd Avenue traffic stops at 5th Street
and Jefferson Street. Visibility at the intersection is somewhat limited on the south side due to higher
ground elevations, similar to grade issues at many intersections in the city. There have been no
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Item 2.
Traffic Commission Minutes - October 5, 2020
Page 2
reported accidents at this intersection in the previous five years.
The intersection of 7th Street and 43rd Avenue has been reviewed by the Traffic Commission several
times, most recently in April 2017. The request for stop signs was denied based on the topography of
the intersection. The concern being that stop signs at the top of the hill would make it difficult for
vehicles to stop and start up in the winter months. An “Intersection Ahead” warning sign was
installed for southbound traffic on 7th Street.
On 7th Street traffic yields at 41st Avenue and stops at 44th Avenue. On 43rd Avenue traffic stops at
5th Street and Jefferson Street. The intersection is at the top of a hill. Visibility is limited for
southbound traffic and westbound traffic until near the intersection; then it is good. There has been
one reported accident at this intersection in the previous five years.
Young advised that the City is in the process of changing out street signs. The new signs are larger
and are white and green making them more visible. This may help the situation because when
driving westbound on 43rd Avenue you can actually see the street name signs at the intersection.
Doty stated when he was there he didn’t see any traffic, parked cars or issues that would be
problematic, except for the hill. Captain Johnston stated he doesn’t see any major concerns at this
intersection. The one accident he cited was due to sleety weather conditions. Schluender stated he
lives in the general area and due to the number of stop signs he doesn’t feel that drivers can build up
speed between intersections. Also, 43rd Avenue is fairly narrow and has the hill, and is in a residential
area, which he thinks causes drivers to be a little more cautious. He supports the recommended
motion due to not meeting the MMUTCD guidelines.
Motion by Clerkin to deny the request for stop signs at the intersection of 6 th Street and 43rd Avenue
and at the intersection of 7th Street and 43rd Avenue due to not meeting the MMUTCD guidelines,
seconded by Doty. Motion passed unanimously.
B. REVISE STOP SIGN LOCATIONS ON 51ST AVENUE BETWEEN WASHINGTON STREET AND CENTRAL
AVENUE; ADD CROSSWALKS AT THE PARK ENTRANCES
Mr. Mark Matzke has requested revisions to the traffic control along 51 st Avenue as well as
installation of crosswalks near Sullivan Lake Park.
The first request is for a crosswalk across Washington Street at the entrance of Sullivan Park, or at a
minimum, to trim the trees/shrubs adjacent to the path so pedestrians are more visible. Young
advised that we have steered away from crosswalks unless they’re in an area that has sidewalk. The
reason being, that you are directing pedestrians into the street, not to another sidewalk or a safe
refuge. As there is no sidewalk on the west side of Washington Street, the Park Department will trim
the trees/shrubs to make the Park Entrance signs and pedestrians leaving the park more visible.
Mr. Matzke requested the 2-way stop at Washington Street and 51st Avenue be revised to a 4-way
stop. The concern is visibility at this intersection.
Currently traffic stops on Washington Street. The topography combined with vegetation along the
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Item 2.
Traffic Commission Minutes - October 5, 2020
Page 3
north side of 51st Avenue limits visibility. Southbound vehicles on Washington Street must proceed
cautiously into the intersection before crossing into the westbound traffic lane.
Young advised there are some large lilac bushes on the northeast corner of the property on the north
side that do block visibility somewhat, vehicles need to inch out at the stop sign to check for cross
traffic before pulling out. Her first recommendation is to contact the property owner and request to
have the lilac bushes trimmed back. If the owner refuses, the City will intercede. We do have
approximately 9’ of right-of-way along the north side of 51st Avenue.
If a 4-way stop were to go in at Washington Street and 51st Avenue, then Mr. Matzke is requesting
the 3-way stop be removed at Jefferson Street for east-west traffic. Young feels it’s worthwhile for
staff to study both Washington and Jefferson Streets to determine which intersection makes the
most sense for traffic control.
Mr. Matzke requested the 1-way stop be revised to a 3-way stop at 51st Avenue and Monroe Street,
and a crosswalk be added. The concern is the speed of traffic near the park.
This is a T-intersection with northbound traffic stopping at 51 st Avenue. Visibility at the intersection is
good. There is no sidewalk on the south side of 51 st Avenue. Once again, a crosswalk would direct
pedestrians into the street, not a refuge from traffic. Staff suggests installing playground warning
signs on 51st Avenue for Sullivan Lake Park.
Jefferson, Madison, Monroe and Jackson Streets are all approximately 300’ apart. Traffic to the park
could come from any of those intersections, not necessarily just Monroe Street. Doty stated
Jefferson Street and 51st Avenue has a hill and with cross traffic vehicles could not start up again. He
would like to keep the three stop signs at this intersection as it’s difficult to get up hills due to
weather conditions.
Schluender commented on the crosswalk. Stated he understands the concern of installing a
crosswalk that directs pedestrians to no landing space on the other side. He recognizes if you have
mobility concerns or are not familiar with the area how you could get stuck on the other side of the
road. However, there are two pedestrian paths coming out of the park that, even without a
crosswalk, are directing pedestrians into the street. Pedestrians are still hitting the street and are
clearly crossing it if they’re parked along 51st Avenue, or they are heading deeper into the
neighborhood by walking along the streets that these paths butt up against. He suggested a study of
what it would take to install a landing area on the other side of the park, whether it’s a modest
stretch of sidewalk or a corner curb cut set-out that doesn’t go anywhere. This is not an ideal
solution but feels a crosswalk and crosswalk signs would at least slow traffic down. He would also like
to see the crosswalk aligned to Monroe Street. He thinks we should study this a little more in depth
before we deny the request. Finkelson agrees with examining this in more detail. Young advised
that we can put in the crosswalks and the signs, but this was done on 40th Avenue at 5th Street and
Jefferson Street and the crosswalks are ignored so often that now we’ve tried putting up “Stop for
Pedestrian” signs along centerline to try to grab the drivers’ attention. Schluender stated he’s seen
some new approaches to crosswalk painting where they’re painted in 3-D so they stand out more.
Young advised they have this type of crosswalk at French Park. She will get some photographs to see
how they’ve held up over the years.
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Item 2.
Traffic Commission Minutes - October 5, 2020
Page 4
Nekora asked where the playground warning signs will be placed. Young advised they will be
positioned on each side of the park, approximately 200’ from the entrance. We have these signs at
the majority of our parks so should add them to this one as well.
Motion by Clerkin to deny the request for 3-way stop signs at 51st Avenue and Monroe Street,
seconded by Doty. Motion passed unanimously.
Motion by Clerkin to direct staff to study the intersections on 51st Avenue at both Washington Street
and Jefferson Street to consider which intersection should be controlled with an all -way stop,
seconded by Schluender. Motion passed unanimously.
Motion by Schluender to study the feasibility of a sidewalk or alternate landing area for pedestrians
on the opposite side of the street for crosswalks at both Washington Street and Sullivan Drive and
51st Avenue and Monroe Street, including possibly aligning the end of the pedestrian path on the
north side of 51st Avenue with the intersection; and to also study best practices for painting
crosswalks for better driver visibility. Motion seconded by Finkelson. Motion passed unanimously.
VII. OTHER NEW BUSINESS
None
VIII. REPORTS
A. CITY ENGINEER
As requested by owners, Disabled Parking signs have been installed at the following locations:
4010 4th St, Permit F29089
4141 4th St, Permit 1-017-995
1419 Parkview Ln, Permit J10787
4032 Washington St, Permit D56411
The City Council is requesting that the Traffic Commission choose a different night for their
meetings. The City Council has meetings at 6:00 p.m. and sometimes earlier on Monday
evenings. Because of this the Council Liaison is unable to attend the Traffic Commission
meeting. This item will be on the next agenda.
B. POLICE CHIEF
Captain Johnston advised they have slowed down with being proactive due to COVID but will be
bringing this back up on Central Avenue due to traffic safety issues, one being a
pedestrian/vehicle accident.
The 2-6 AM parking ban is scheduled to start soon. Police distribute citywide flyers regarding
overnight parking warnings and postcards about the ordinance on two separate weekends in
October; these are placed on vehicles parked on the street. Parking permit requests increase
every year, the Police Department is trying to be reasonable with issuing.
C. COMMISSIONERS
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Item 2.
Traffic Commission Minutes - October 5, 2020
Page 5
Doty stated that when he was at 51st Avenue and Washington Street today he had the right of
way but the other driver ran the stop sign so he stopped. The other driver then stopped
halfway through the intersection. He cannot believe how many drivers run stop signs. He asked
Captain Johnston if he’s noticed this. Captain Johnston advised that if they focus on this i t
makes an impact, but once they stop the problem slowly creeps back up. It’s a challenge to
patrol all these locations and enforce violations. When they receive a complaint at a particular
intersection, then they give it attention.
Doty asked the average speed of the speed sign on 49th Avenue. Johnston wasn’t sure, he
advised that sometimes they just put the speed signs out so they’re visible but don’t always pull
a report. Doty felt it was excellent idea to put the speed sign by the school prior to school
starting. Johnston advised they do try to keep them out and move them around.
ADJOURNMENT
Motioned by Doty, seconded by Shluender to adjourn the meeting at 6:04 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Schmidtbauer
Administrative Assistant
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Item 2.
TRAFFIC COMMISSION
AGENDA SECTION OLD BUSINESS
MEETING DATE MAY 3, 2021
ITEM: REVISE STOP SIGN LOCATIONS ON 51ST AVENUE BETWEEN WASHINGTON STREET AND CENTRAL
AVENUE; ADD CROSSWALKS AT THE PARK ENTRANCES
DEPARTMENT: Public Works BY/DATE: Kathy Young/April 28, 2021
BACKGROUND: Mark Matzke requested revisions to the traffic control along 51 st Avenue as well as
installation of crosswalks near Sullivan Lake Park. Traffic Commission members requested the following items
be discussed at a future meeting:
Crosswalks at the entrances to Sullivan Lake Park on Washington Street and 51 st Avenue.
Review visibility and traffic accidents on 51st Avenue at Washington Street and Jefferson Street
to consider whether the 3-way stop at Jefferson Street should be eliminated and a 4 -way stop
installed at Washington Street.
WASHINGTON STREET AT SULLIVAN PARK ENTRANCE
Provide a painted crosswalk and pedestrian crossing signs on Washington Street and a pedestrian ramp on the
corner of Washington Street and 51 st Avenue.
There is no sidewalk on the west side of Washington Street. A crosswalk would direct pedestrians into the
street, not a refuge from traffic. An alternative may be to eliminate parking on both sides of Sullivan Drive and
add bike lane striping. Removal of parking requires a public hearing with nearby property owners.
51st AVENUE AND MONROE STREET AT SULLIVAN PARK ENTRANCE
Relocate the park trail to be across from Monroe Street, provide a pedestrian ramp on the SW corner of
Monroe Street and 51st Avenue, and install a painted crosswalk with pedestrian crossing signs on 51 st Avenue.
There is no sidewalk on the south side of 51 st Avenue. A crosswalk would direct pedestrians into the street,
not a refuge from traffic. Another concern is winter maintenance of the pedestrian ramp without other
sidewalk. The proposed work at this location is not included in the 2021 budget.
Playground warning signs will be installed on 51st Avenue for Sullivan Lake Park.
WASHINGTON STREET AND JEFFFERSON STREET AT 51ST AVENUE
Average Annual Daily Traffic Counts
The Average Annual Daily Traffic on the State Aid Streets listed below was counted in 2016:
Washington Street 53rd Avenue to 51st Avenue 1,250 AADT
51st Avenue Washington Street to Jefferson Street 1,250 AADT
51st Avenue Jefferson Street to Central Avenue 950 AADT
Jefferson Street 49th Avenue to 51st Avenue 820 AADT
Staff reviewed the visibility at each intersection. There have been two reported accidents at each intersection
since 2018. Staff does not recommend stopping traffic on 51 st Avenue at both Washington Street and
Jefferson Street. 7
Item 3.
Page 2
Washington Street at 51st Avenue
Currently traffic stops on Washington Street. West bound cross traffic on 51 st Avenue can be seen 140’ to
145’ from the intersection. Traffic has stopped at Jefferson Street and may be travelling at less than 30 mph.
Visibility is clear on 51st Avenue, west of Washington Street.
There have been two reported accidents at this intersection since 2018.
11/18/2018 Vehicle on 51st Avenue hit utility pole after swerving to miss southbound vehicle on
Washington Street that did not stop for stop sign.
Wet, icy, snow – was a contributing factor to accident.
11/21/2019 Vehicle on Washington Street hit vehicle on 51st Avenue
Sleet, hail, however, did not contribute to accident.
The topography combined with vegetation along the north side of 51st Avenue limits visibility. Southbound
vehicles on Washington Street must proceed cautiously into the intersection before crossing into the west
bound traffic lane. Staff has contacted the corner property owner about removing the lilacs to the property
line. Public Works staff will cut the shrubs if they are not removed by the owner.
51st Avenue at Jefferson Street
Currently traffic stops in each direction. West bound cross traffic on 51 st Avenue can be seen 225’ from the
intersection and east bound cross traffic can be seen 205’ from the intersection.
There have been three reported accidents at this intersection since 2018.
06/17/2018 Vehicle on Jefferson Street made a right hand turn and hit parked vehicles.
Weather was clear.
10/17/2018 Vehicle on Jefferson Street rear ended vehicle in front of it.
Weather was clear.
1/18/2018 Vehicle on Jefferson Street went north through the intersection and hit a shed.
Weather was clear.
Driver was intoxicated.
Traffic on 51st Avenue would be approaching Jefferson Street at 30 mph. With the surrounding topograph y, it
may be difficult for a north bound driver on Jefferson Street to stop on the hill and turn left or right unless the
traffic on 51st Avenue also stops. This would be especially true during the winter months.
RECOMMENDED MOTION(S):
MOTION: Move to call a public hearing to designate NO PARKING on Sullivan Drive from 7 th Street to
Washington Street for June Traffic Commission Meeting.
MOTION: Move to maintain the 3-way STOP signs at Jefferson Street and 51st Avenue and 2-way STOP signs
at Washington Street and 51st Avenue.
ATTACHMENT(S): Aerials (3)
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Item 3.
51st Ave, Washington to Central
September 22, 2020 0 310 620155 ft
0 90 18045 m
1:2,400
Disclaimer: Map and parcel data are believed to be ac curate, but acc uracy is not guaranteed. This is not a legal document and should not be substituted for a title s earch,appraisal, survey, or for zoning verification. 9
Item 3.
³
Disclaimer: Map and parcel data are believed to be accurate, but accuracy is not guaranteed. This is not a legal document and should not be substituted for a title search, appraisal, survey, or for zoning verification.
Washington/Jefferson and 51st Ave
Anoka County GIS
Owner Information:Parcel Information: Approx. Acres:
Commissioner:
Plat:
Date: 4/27/20211:600
10
Item 3.
³
Disclaimer: Map and parcel data a re believed to be accurate, but accuracy is not guaranteed. This is not a legal d ocument and should not be substituted for a title search, appraisal, survey, or for zo ning verification.
Mon roe St an d 51st Ave
Date: 4/2 7/20211:600
Own er Information:Parce l Information:
Anoka County GIS
Approx. Acres:
Commissioner:
Plat:
11
Item 3.
TRAFFIC COMMISSION
AGENDA SECTION NEW BUSINESS
MEETING DATE MAY 3, 2021
ITEM:
REQUEST FOR NO PARKING DURING STUDENT ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL TIMES ON THE SOUTH
SIDE OF 42ND AVENUE AND THE WEST SIDE OF 4TH STREET FOR PRODEO ACADEMY
DEPARTMENT: Public Works BY/DATE: Kathy Young/April 28, 2021
BACKGROUND: Christopher Elsenbast has requested NO PARKING adjacent to Prodeo Academy on the
south side of 42nd Avenue and the west side of 4th Street from 6:00 am to 8:00 am and from 1:00 pm to
3:00 pm. An email from Mr. Elsenbast and an aerial showing the extent of the NO PARKING is included
in the agenda packet.
RECOMMENDED MOTION(S):
MOTION: Move to call a public hearing for the June Traffic Commission meeting to designate No Parking
from 6:00 am to 8:00 am and from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm adjacent to Prodeo Academy; on the south side
of 42nd Avenue NE from University Avenue Service Road to 4th Street and on the west side of 4th Street
NE from 42nd Avenue to 493’ south of 42nd Avenue
ATTACHMENT(S): Email Request
Aerial
12
Item 4.
On Fri, Mar 12, 2021 at 2:58 PM Christopher Elsenbast
<christopherelsenbast@prodeoacademy.org> wrote:
We are requesting No Parking on the west side of 4th street (the side of the road abutting our
property), and we are requesting No Parking on the south side of 42nd Ave (the side of the road
abutting our property).
The timeframes we would request are 6:00am - 8:00am and 1:00pm - 3:00pm for our arrival and
dismissal windows.
Chris Elsenbast
Network Director of Operations
he|his
815-354-7491
4141 University Ave NE
Columbia Heights, MN 55421
www.prodeoacademy.org
13
Item 4.
³
Prodeo Academy
Owner Information:
Disclaimer: Map and parcel data are believ ed to be acc urate, b ut accura cy is not gu aran teed. This is not a legal docume nt and sho uld not besubstituted for a title searc h, apprais al, survey, or for zoning verification.
Date: 4/26/20211:1,200Anoka County GIS
Parce l Information: Approx. Acres:
Commissioner:
Plat:
14
Item 4.
TRAFFIC COMMISSION
AGENDA SECTION NEW BUSINESS
MEETING DATE MAY 3, 2021
ITEM:
REQUEST FOR TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES ON RESERVOIR BOULEVARD FROM 37TH AVENUE
TO 40TH AVENUE
DEPARTMENT: Public Woks BY/DATE: Kathy Young/April 28, 2021
BACKGROUND: Carrie Gille has requested traffic calming measures on Reservoir Boulevard from 37 th
Avenue to 41st Avenue. The concern is traffic speed. Suggestions include reducing the speed limit,
adding parking bays to narrow the street, and install flashing speed limit signs. The email is included in
the agenda packet.
The information provided below is for Reservoir Boulevard from 37th Avenue to 40th Avenue. North of
40th Avenue, Reservoir Boulevard is Anoka County CSAH 2. The Average Annual Daily Traffic (2016) is
1,400 between 37th Avenue and 39th Avenue and 1,750 between 39th Avenue and 40th Avenue.
The City Council is reviewing the speed limit reductions in the City of Minneapolis and surrounding
communities. Staff is preparing information for Council consideration on both striping for bike lanes and
flashing speed limit signs.
Parking lane striping was added to Arthur Street from 39th Avenue to 44th Avenue to visually narrow the
street for drivers. According to residents, this did not effectively reduce speed. In the past, physical
narrowing of streets is only considered when a street rehabilitation project is done.
ATTACHMENT(S): Email Request
Aerial
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Item 5.
SENT: Tue 4/6/2021 8:00 AM
Good morning—
My family lives on Reservoir Blvd, between 40th and 39th Ave.
Speeding traffic is a big issue for those living on and using Reservoir Blvd for walking/biking.
I call CHPD on a frustratingly regular basis to get the speed trap put on our street. That does help
slow down traffic while the speed trap is actively visible.
The speed limit is 30mph but vehicles regularly go by over 45mph and it’s not uncommon that
cars go twice the speed limit (verified by the speed traps). There are lots of young families that
live on this road and many pedestrians that use it for walks and to get to bus stops.
With city hall being put in at the end of Gould Ave, traffic coming up reservoir and turning onto
Gould will become a bigger issue.
What can we do to get traffic slowed down on Reservoir? Can we get the speed limit reduced
like it is in Mpls? Can we add parking bays to parts of Reservoir to slow traffic? Install flashing
speed signs?
There are sidewalks from 37th to 41st, so that is my primary area of concern as many pedestrians
use that section.
Carrie Gille
16
Item 5.
³
Disclaimer : Map a nd parcel data a re be lieved to be accur ate, but accu racy is n ot guarante ed. This is not a leg al d ocument andshould not be su bs titu ted f or a title sear ch , appraisa l, s urvey, or for z oning verif ication.
Reservoir Blvd, 37th Ave to 40th Ave
Dat e: 4/26 /20211:2,400Anoka County GIS
Own er Information:Parcel Information: Appro x. Acre s:Comm issio ner : Plat:
17
Item 5.
TRAFFIC COMMISSION
AGENDA SECTION NEW BUSINESS
MEETING DATE MAY 3, 2021
ITEM:
REQUEST FOR TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES ON STINSON BOULEVARD FROM 45TH AVENUE TO
SILVER LAKE BEACH PARK
DEPARTMENT: Public Works BY/DATE: Kathy Young/April 28, 2021
BACKGROUND: Alexis James has requested traffic calming measures on Stinson Boulevard. The concern is
traffic speed combined with the amount of pedestrian traffic in the area. Suggestions include installing
“current” speed signs, reducing the speed limit, and other signage on both Stinson and in the park. The email
and video are included in the agenda packet.
Stinson Boulevard is 25’ wide from back of curb to back of curb.
The City Council is reviewing the speed limit reductions in the City of Minneapolis and surrounding
communities. Staff is preparing information for Council consideration of flashing speed limit signs.
At the park entrance, staff will replace the EXIT ONLY sign with a DO NOT ENTER sign and add reflective strips
to the posts.
ATTACHMENT(S): Email Request
Aerials (2)
Video Link
18
Item 6.
4/5/2021
Columbia Heights Traffic Commission:
Attn: Jared Finkelson, Commission Member
Stacy Nekora , Commission Member
Joe Schluender, Commission Member
Amáda Márquez Simula, Council Liaison
C/O: Kathy Young, Assistant City Engineer – kyou@columbiaheightsmn.gov
Traffic Commission Members,
On behalf of myself and several immediate neighbots, I would like to submit the below request for consideration
by the Commission Members for traffic calming within the City of Columbia Heights on Stinson Blvd NE south of
45th Ave NE down to Silver Lake Beach.
Request:
Residents of Stinson Blvd NE are requesting the assistance and insight from the Traffic Commission Members to
help reduce the risk of accident from vehicles traveling at high rates of speed between 45th Ave NE and Silver Lake
Beach on Stinson Blvd NE.
We are requesting increased traffic calming measures for this stretch of Stinson Blvd NE.
Residents have observed consistency of vehicles traveling at high rate of speed up and down Stinson Blvd NE.
There is a blind crest at the top of the road near 45th and as such vehicles have limited view of approaching
vehicles from the opposite direction. Furthermore, on weekends during the summer, with vehicles parked along
the road there is even less visibility of pedestrians crossing the road or walking down to the beach after parking
their vehicles.
Vehicles are also observed often traveling the wrong way at the south end of Stinson where it splits into two 1-way
sections. Southbound vehicles are often traveling too fast to navigate the right hand turn at the turn and have to
brake heavily to stop. Northbound vehicles are often observed racing up the street from the beach traveling the
wrong way. It is a recipe for a head on collision.
There are several families with young children at the south end at the bottom of the hill. To add, there are many
families with young children who visit the park and walk up and down the street to parked vehicles etc.
Considerations for use of increased signage, solar powered “current speed” signs, a reduced speed limit, Children
at Play signs or any other modern low intrusive options available to reduce the speed of vehicles traveling north or
south along Stinson Bvld NE. As a worst case scenarios, perhaps a speed bump at the south end of Stinson before it
splits (south of 4320 driveway) may be a final option if the above options do not impact the problem.
We are also open to other suggestions the Commission Members may have.
Thank you, sincerely
Alexis James
4320 Stinson Blvd NE
Columbia Heights, MN, 55421
612 462 9558
alexisgjames@gmail.com
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Item 6.
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Stinson Blvd , 45th Ave to Beach
Owner Information:
Disclaimer: Map and parcel data are believ ed to be acc urate, b ut accura cy is not gu aran teed. This is not a legal docume nt and sho uld not besubstituted for a title searc h, apprais al, survey, or for zoning verification.
Date: 4/26/20211:2,400Anoka County GIS
Parce l Information: Approx. Acres:
Commissioner:
Plat:
20
Item 6.
21
Item 6.
From:Alexis James
To:Kathy Young
Subject:Re: Letter to Columbia Heights Traffic Commission
Date:Friday, April 9, 2021 10:30:39 AM
This message originated from outside the City of Columbia Heights email system. Use caution when clicking
hyperlinks, downloading pictures or opening attachments. If necessary, contact sender by phone. WHEN IN
DOUBT, THROW IT OUT!
Hi Kathy
I also made a video showing the street and the issues as I see it. Please share with the
Commission.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPgiZkNlmtM
Thank you,
Alexis
On Thu, Apr 8, 2021 at 12:28 PM Alexis James <alexisgjames@gmail.com> wrote:
Hi Kathy
I spoke with you earlier in the week.
Please see attached letter drafted to the Traffic Commission.
It comes from myself and Alex Trueman (my neighbor) cc'd on this email.
Please let me know how they respond and if this will be considered.
Thanks,
Alexis
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Item 6.
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Item 7.