Apr 24, 2007 7:23 am US/Central
Parking A Concern For Central Corridor LRT Plans
St. Paul (AP) ―
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Some wonder if the $1 billion project will include enough parking for light-rail users. (File)
Redevelopment plans for the Central Corridor light-rail project include urban villages, new parks, and a totally remade University Avenue scene lined with high-rise buildings instead of big-box retailers.
But some wonder if the $1 billion project will include enough parking for light-rail users.
A vision for the proposed 11-mile light-rail line connecting Minneapolis and St. Paul's Union Depot was released Monday. It includes proposals by the consulting firm Urban Strategies, but also incorporates recommendations from two task forces appointed by Mayor Chris Coleman and suggestions made by residents.
"I think that they really engaged the community," Coleman said. "There are some things that can occur right away, (and others) are further down the line."
The plan urges city officials to consider policies that would create more pedestrian-friendly developments with parking behind buildings.
But with the potential for new businesses and increased traffic, some wonder whether parking will be adequate.
Russ Stark, executive director of the Midway Transportation Management Organization, said lanes along University Avenue are too valuable to use for parking. He's stressed a need for bikes and pedestrian paths to bring people to the light-rail line.
Stark also wants the Met Council to move forward with plans to redesign the University Avenue streetscape in order to build up private investment. It's one of the options that may be cut to keep down project costs.
"I think we obviously still have a lot of work to do," he said.
The city's Planning Commission will analyze the development strategy before holding a public hearing on the plan this summer.
George Dark, an Urban Strategies consultant, said people shouldn't get locked into a permanent vision for the transit line because the next generation will likely have other ideas. But with careful planning and progress, he said, St. Paul will reap good fruit.
"If you start with the basic principles and move forward, you have a much better chance of success," he said.
(© 2007 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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