St. Paul has been working hard for many years to move the road back from the river. St. Paul recently approved designation of this road as part of the Grand Rounds Parkway - an original idea for the city that included an encircling set of parkways (Johnson, Wheelock, Midway parkways, Mississippi River Blvd, Highland Parkway and then along the River...). The Comprehensive Plan calls for building a complete parkway and "greening" it to create a scenic recreational experience and identity.
At the meeting, city staff suggested that money that would have been used to shift the bridge alignment to make way for parkland along the riverside of the road be used to buy parkland to the south and east. Then the shift of the park site along with a new Childs Road bridge and a T-intersection north of the railroad tracks would allow a significant opportunity for public access to the riverfront in this area. The County could proceed with the bridge-work while funding for the park and the other road and trail work is secured.
St. Paul Parks and the Public Works Departments have agreed to work on a preliminary proposal of what this alternative would look like and bring it back to the group for consideration. Ramsey County has also agreed to work with the City on this.
There are 11 design elements from the City's Comprehensive Plan that should be included, but the city has adopted a 25'6" curb to curb paving for the road. This will allow for additional green and trail space, and will help calm traffic.
This effort has been a great example of collaborative work among residents and officials!
Submitted by Tom Dimond, D1 Resident
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment