Grand Rounds meetings, June 18, June 23, July 1
This drawing shows the route recommended by the Citizen’s Advisory Committee.
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (Park Board) issued the following news release regarding three public meetings in June and July regarding the final route of the porposed Grand Rounds “Missing Link.”
In its June “Como-tion” newsletter, the Southeast Como Improvement Association (SECIA) also urges residents to attend the meetings, noting that the Park Board, which will make the final decision, is not bound by the recommendation of the Citizens Advisory Committee (see below.)
The Park Board release states:
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board has scheduled three public hearings in June and July on the proposed Grand Rounds “Missing Link” route recommendation. The public hearings will provide an opportunity for the public to comment on the route that was recommended to the MPRB by the 21-member Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC).
The Missing Link is a three-mile gap in the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway in the area north of I-94 and east of the Mississippi River that when completed will connect East River Parkway with St. Anthony Parkway.
The public hearings will be held:
· Wednesday, June 18, 6:30 p.m. at MPRB Headquarters, 2117 West River Road, Minneapolis.
· Monday, June 23, 6:30 p.m. at Van Cleve Park, 901 15th Ave. SE, Minneapolis.
· Tuesday, July 1, 6:30 p.m. at Windom Park, 2251 Hayes St. NE (connected to Pillsbury School).
The recommended route begins at Stinson and St. Anthony Parkway and heads east through St. Anthony along Gross National Golf Course. It follows Industrial Blvd. to E. Hennepin Ave., Weeks Ave. and 29th Ave. SE. It passes underneath the Burlington Northern railroad tracks to Kasota Ave. SE and bridges over the rail yard to connect with the new Granary Road proposed by the City of Minneapolis. It then follows 27th Ave. SE near the University of Minnesota and ends at East River Parkway.
Along with the recommended route, park and open space opportunities will be considered. The CAC reviewed many options for park facilities and chose a concept that would provide for both park and commercial opportunities.
“Currently utilized by industrial businesses, the route would create the desired recreational and regional amenities,” said Nick Eoloff, project manager for the MPRB. “It’s an eco-business plan that incorporates business and economic development within a park setting.”
The study phase has been ongoing since June 2007. CAC members reviewed and commented on the location and design of the parkway extension based on the following established criteria:
· Parkway system continuity,
· Enhance recreational opportunities,
· Protect or enhance the environment,
· Improve mobility,
· Create economic benefits,
· Feasible and compatible.
The CAC acted as liaisons with their respective communities, sponsored several public open houses and developed a recommended route.
The community input process evaluated proposed routes and designs, studied neighborhood impact, connectivity to existing and proposed bicycle and pedestrian routes, park and open spaces, and transportation corridors.
A Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) comprised of members from a number of agencies in the area provided analysis and technical information to the CAC.
Final board action on the recommended route is expected this summer. The chosen location will result in the development of a Master Plan for the completion of the Missing Link. Implementation will begin as funds become available.
Information on the Missing Link project is available here.
last revised: June 6, 2008