Public community engagement
What we heard from the community
To prepare for this project, we met with community members to share information about the improvements, answer questions and get their feedback. In total, we reached more than 130,000 individuals with information about the project through emails, direct mail, social media posts and print ads. We also reached out to 24 different organizations and government entities in the project area. More than 70 individuals asked questions or made comments about the project to MnDOT through our scoping survey and two virtual public meetings.
Key topics of interest:
- Curb extensions: Vehicle speeds and safety were prominent concerns MnDOT heard from the community. Many believed the curb extensions – which make crossings shorter for pedestrians and make pedestrians more visible to drivers – would slow speeds on the road.
- Sidewalk repairs: During both open houses and in the scoping survey, participants expressed excitement for the planned sidewalk repairs.
- Stormwater pond: As part of the project, we initially proposed to construct a stormwater pond to capture and treat runoff north of Olivia Ct. in Maplewood. UPDATE: In fall 2021, we received news that our water resources team was able to address stormwater treatment for the project at other locations and a stormwater pond is no longer being proposed at this location. Stormwater treatment will be addressed on MnDOT right of way adjacent to Hwy 36.
- Tree removal: During the virtual public meetings, people raised questions about the removal of trees for this project. Trees in the boulevard between the street and the sidewalk do not usually withstand construction. Many of these trees are also diseased. MnDOT’s forester evaluated each tree and identified trees that could be saved and trees that need to be removed. We have programmed funding to replace trees removed during construction.
- Easements: This project will require temporary easements that allow MnDOT to come onto the lawns and driveways of any applicable properties to repair sidewalks and driveway aprons.
Overall, people expressed support for the planned safety and accessibility improvements throughout the corridor. Many agreed that the existing conditions in the corridor needed improvement – particularly the sidewalks and vehicle speeds. Our planned improvements seek to address those primary concerns.
A summary of proposed improvements, community engagement activities and feedback has been compiled into a public report. For a copy of the report, please contact us.