CR2002-012 PH 13th Ave vacation
CITY OF
January 11, 2002 ~ Council Report 2002-12
NOPKINS
. PUBLIC HEARING
13th A VENUE SOUTH ROAD RIGHT OF WAY V ACA TION
Proposed Action
Staff recommends the following motion: Move that Council deny the request by Church of St Joseph that the
City vacate a p011ion of 13th Avenue South right-of-way and authorize city staff to proceed with developing a
perpetual right-of-way use agreement between the City and Church of St Joseph for the closure of a portion of
13th Avenue South and granting the church restricted use of the right-of-way. The agreement should include
language that would return the right-of-way to the city should the church sell or redevelop their property east of
13111 A venue South. Further, that the agreement include the following conditions: that there be an independent
traffic impact analysis of the proposed final parking lot design on the surrounding city streets/alleys; that the
church upgrades the parking lot to include additional lighting, curbing, and landscaping; city approval of final
parking lot design plans; unrestricted public use of the parking lot; and that the parking lot improvements be
completed by December, 2002.
Overview
At the November 7, 2001 meeting, the Hopkins City Council received a petition from St. Joseph's Church to
vacate a portion of the road right-of-way along 13 th A venue South located between 151 Street South and
Mainstreet. St. Joseph's hosted a neighborhood meeting on December 5, 2001, at the Jolm Ireland School to
discuss the potential vacation with the neighborhood and to try to address any concerns that the property owners
in the area might have with the vacation proposal. At their December 13, 200!' work session. the City Council
.as given an overview of the St. Joseph's proposal and the issues that have come up to date. There was a large
.eighborhood turnout at the work session and the people in attendance were allowed to state their views on the
issues associated with the potential vacation. A public hearing was set for December 18 to consider the street
vacation request. At the December 18 City Council meeting, City Council decided to continue the public
hearing in order to allow time for study meetings to look at potential alternatives. Two study meetings were
held. At the meetings, the various stakeholders agreed on the benefits and costs of a potential street vacation,
discussed alternatives, and expressed their concerns, but they did not reach a consensus on how to proceed.
Taking into account the results of the study meetings and the traffic analyses, staff recommends that City
Council grant a closure of 13lh A venue South via a use agreement with stipulations as mentioned in the above
recommended motion. Under any scenario, the city should retain an utility easement through this corridor.
Primary Issues to Consider
. Results of Study Group Meetings
. Traffic Analyses results and conclusions
. 1 ' th A S I . d'
-' venue out 1 reconstructlOn eSlgn
. City Council options and staff recommendation
Supporting Information
. St. Joseph's Concept Plan for area should the roadway vacation be approved
. Memo to Council dated December 6,2001, from Steven G. Bot, Assistant City Engineer
. Correspondence fr0111 city residents, area property owners, St Joseph church members
J'ratTic Su y R' f d Ih
eVlew 0 Propose 13 Avenue S. closure, February 5, 1999, Benshoof & Assoc., Inc.
.
Steven .T. Stadler
Public Works Director
Council Report 2001-202
Page 2
.rimarv Issues to Consider
. Study Meeting Group
The study group meetings were held on two consecutive Thursday evenings, December 27 and January 3. The
meeting attendees included owners or representatives of the adjacent multi-family residential properties, the
American Legion, Mainstreet businesses, St Joseph church, Hopkins City Council (Rick Brausen) and city staff.
Although the group couldn't reach consensus on the street vacation/closure issue, there was agreement on the
following benefits and costs of a l31h A venue closure.
BENEFITS
-Additional downtown/Central Park user surface parking
- Potential to eliminate I ill A venue South on-street parking
-Reduced city cost (estimated $66,000 city cost for reconstruction of 13th Avenue)
-Improved safety for St Joseph school/day care area
-Street closure will decrease the risk of another redevelopment of this parking lot area. (There is the
potential that another redevelopment would have greater negative influence on the surrounding
residential areas)
-Street closure allows a more direct pedestrian connection betwecn Central Park and Mainstreet
COSTS
. -Additional traffic on lih Avenue Sand 1ih Avenue SII 51 Street S intersection
-Inconvenience factor to south residential area by eliminating 131h A venue access
-Potential for additional alley traffic (east-west alley b/w 12_131h Aves just south of Mainstreet)
-Increased use (traffic) of parking lot access along lih Avenue S
-Emergency vehicle access limited by closing 13lh A venue S
-At the second stakeholder meeting, one apartment building owner expressed concern that property
values would drop due to 13th A venue closure
. Traffic Analyses Results and Conclusions
In February, 1999, the City hired Benshoof & Associates to complete a traffic study of a proposed 13th Avenue
South closure. The study was, in part, based on traffic counts completed by city personnel on January 11 and
12, 1999. The tranic study report is attached. The study concludes that peak hour traffic volumes on 1 ill
Avenue South would increase from 50 vehicles per hour (vph) to 126 vph in the a.m. peak and from 85 vph to
181 vph during the p.m. peak. The traffic consultant states that these volumes are within the normal range for
local downtown streets. The consultant expressed concern rcgarding additional through traffic using the east-
west alley between 12lh and 13th Avenues and that this alley may have to be restricted to one-way travel.
Finally, the consultant stressed that the city should pay close attention to the traffic operations plan of the church
parking lot and the adjacent] ih and 13lh Avenues such that traffic impact on lih Avenue South and the alley is
minimized.
e'ity staff conducted another traffic count/survey on December 27, 200 I. The purpose of this survey was to try
to better determine the traffic patterns int%ut of the residential area south of 1 sl Street South. A 12-hour traffic
count was done and the results were as follows:
Council Report 2001-202
Page 3
.
-12 hour traffic count on Thursday, December 27 shows 16% of outgoing vehicles from south neighborhood
used 13th A venue (2R of ] 77 vehicles)
-12 hour traffic count on Thursday, December 27 shows 28% of incoming vehicles to south neighborhood used
13th Avenue (33 of 1]6 vehicles)
. 13th A venue South Reconstruction Design
While staff is working toward an acceptable right-of-way use agreement, it is proposed that the design work
continue for the reconstruction of 13th A venue South. The cost of these engineering services is $9,500. By
continuing the design work, should an agreement not be reached on closing the street, this extremely poor road
section could still be reconstructed under our 2002 Street Improvement project.
. City Council Options and Staff Recommendation
Option 1: Deny vacation request and authorize development of perpetual right-of-way agreement as further
described above in proposed action.
Option 2: Grant vacation request provided St Joseph church agree to a restrictive covenant on the property
prohibiting a land use change or redevelopment of its property east of 13 tl1 A venuc South without express city
approval. Additionally, St Joseph church would be required to meet parking lot conditions stated in Option 1
.ddnl traffic analysis, parking lot upgradcs, city approval of final design plans, unrestricted public parking and
construction completed by December 2002).
Option 3: Grant vacation request provided St Joseph church agree only to parking lot conditions as stated above
in Option 2.
Option 1: Take no action and continue the proceedings regarding this vacation request to a future City Council
meeting. Provide staff direction on additional information City Council needs or actions staff should take prior
to reconsideration of the vacation request.
Option 5: Deny vacation request and reconstruct 13th Avenue South per 2002 Street Improvement project
design.
Staff recommends Option I. Besides the conditions mentioned in the recommended motion, staff requests City
Council authorize that on-street parking be eliminated on the southern half of lih Avenue South between
Mainstreet and I st Street South. Staff believes that with: 1) the elimination of parking on 1 ih A venue South; 2)
the modest projected 12th Avenue traffic increase; and 3) traffic study of final parking lot design and city
appro va] authority on parking lot design, this action can result in an improvement over the current 12th A venue
South traffic situation for the Citigables residents. Staff also believes that by: 1) eliminating the cut-through
traffic cunently using 13tl1 Avcnue and the school and day care traffic from 1 sl Street South; 2) providing
additional parking in the St Joseph parking lot for Central Park users; 3) improving the appearance of the
_ITent parking lot; 4} protecting against a future change in land use or redevelopment; and 5) providing an
ditional parking area to help ensure that downtown parking demand doesn't result in parking in this
residential area, that this action will result in a net improvement to the residcntial area south of 1 Sl Street South.
A key feature to this option is that the city doesn't give up any public rights to this right-of-way should
conditions change, i.e.. sale of property or redevelopment.
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PARKING STALL COUNT 'JbJt ,t i'"
STANIlARD ~TAL!.S DISABLED ~TAUS TOTAL
~M lQ 210
r I Public Wodes Department I
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Memorandum
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
COPY: Steven C. Mielke, City Manager
Steven 1. Stadler, Director of Public Works
FROM: Steven G. Bot, Assistant City Engineer 'JIy{~
DATE: December 6,2001
SUBJECT: Review of S1. Joseph's Church Petition for Vacation of 13th Ave. So.
December 11, 200 I, City Council Work Session
On November 7, 2001, St. Joseph's Church submitted a petition request for the vacation
of a portion of the road right of way on 13th Avenue South between 1 st Street South and
Mainstreet. St. Joseph's has submitted the attached concept plan for what they would
propose to do should the street be vacated. Representatives of the Church will make an
in-depth presentation of the plan to Council at the work session.
. St. Joseph's hosted a neighborhood meeting on December 5, 2001, at the John Ireland
School to discuss the potential vacation with the neighborhood and to try to address any
concerns that the propeliy owners in the area might have with the vacation proposal. In
addition to City staff (Steve Stadler and Steve Bot), representatives of the City Gables
Condominiums, the American Legion, and property owners of three apartment complexes
on 13lh Avenue South were in attendance. Highlighted below are some of the issues that
came up during that meeting, and additional information is also provided that has been
gathered by City staff since the meeting in an attempt to shed more light on the concerns
raised by the residents.
If the road were vacated, where would the al ternate route be for emergency vehicles to
access the area south of 15t Street South if the intersection of 151 Street South and 1 ih
Avenue South becomes blocked for some reason (accident, etc.)?
This issue was reviewed with the City Fire Marshall and he indicated there are
three feasible alternate routes that emergency vehicles could take to access this
area if the intersection of 1 st Street South and 12th A venue South was blocked or
restricted. These alternates include using the alley located between 11th Avenue
South and 121h A venue South, using the parking lot and trail located on the sOLlth
side of Central Park, and using the St. Joseph's parking lot and the trail in the
potentially vacated 13th Avenue right of way. City statf would work with the
Church to make sure the last option was designed into the St. Joseph's site plans.
.
Could an entrance into the S1. Joseph's parking lot be made from 1 sl Street South in order
to alleviate some of the traffic from lih Avenue South?
. After discussing some possible options with representatives of the Church, it
seems feasible that a drive entrance to the parking lot could be located on the
n011h side of 1 sl Street South adjacent to the alley on the south side of 151 Street
South. The drive entrance would then curve to the east and head north so that the
playground area space can be maximized.
Could on-street parking along ] ill A venue South in the vicinity of the City Gables
Condominiums be eliminated to allow better visibility for the City Gables residents as
they enter 1ih Avenue South?
Elimination of anyon-street parking on 1 ill A venue South would most likely
only be considered if equal and alternate public parking were allowed in the S1.
Joseph parking lot. The Church has expressed willingness to allow public parking
in their lot if an agreement could be reached that would address liabi]ity and
police patrol issues. City staff would highly recommend that a lighting upgrade in
the lot be required of the Church if any agreement is made for public parking in
the S1. Joseph's lot in order to decrease the risk of incidents occurring.
The counts for the traffic study (attached) which were done to look at the impacts of
vacating 13th Avenue South were taken in January and do not reflect the traffic that
comes to the area when activities take place at Central Park during the summer. What
would the traffic study have shown if the counts were taken in the summer rather than the
winter?
. After a lengthy discussion with the recreation coordinator in charge of the Central
Park activities regarding the use of the park and the impacts of this potential
vacation, the following conclusions can be made. An average of approximately
25 cars come in 2 shifts per night (approx. 50 cars total per night) to use the ball
fields directly adj acent to 13 tl1 A venue South. Approximately half of these cars
would normally come from the north and likely use 13111 A venue if it is available.
It can be assumed that all of these cars park as close to the ball fields as possible.
As a result, parking for the activities in the park at the S1. Joseph's lot would be
necessary to compensate for the lost on-street parking along 13 tll A venue South.
Since the main activities at the park occur at night (after the peak hour), the added
traffic would not be included in the peak hour counts which represent the highest
period (hour) of trathc in both the morning and the evening when people are
going to and from work, school, etc. Because of this, the City staff feels that the
report and the counts taken an: accurate and a good representation of the potential
traffic consequences of closing 13lh A venue South. The Church has also pointed
out that during the summer, when the park traffic is the highest, the traffic going
to and from the Church is the lowest due to school not being in session.
There also has been some discussion revolving around possibly turning the existing alley
running from 1 ill A venue South to 13111 A venue South into a one-way alley rather than
two-way as it currently exists. At least one business owner located north of this alley has
.
r indicated that he would not be in favor of such a change. The general consensus to this
. point has been to leave the alley as is for now regardless of what decision gets made. The
possibility of making the alley a one-way could be brought up at any point in the future if
problems arise.
The statement was also made by the owners of the apartments located on 13th Avenue
South between 1 st Street South and 2nd Street South that having to turn and go up 1ih
A venue rather than being able to just go straight north on 13th A venue would be more
inconvenient for their renters. Although the inconvenience of going one block over
verses going straight is undeniable, it does seem to be minimal and isn't completely
unusual for many residential areas.
In an attempt to help the numbers make more sense for the expected volume changes on
12th Avenue S. north of 1st Street S. if 13th Avenue S. is closed, I have put together the
following summary of some other peak hour volume counts for comparable streets in
Hopkins.
Street AM Peak Hour PM Peak Hour
lih Ave. S. if 13u1 Ave. S. is closed 126 181
(from traffic study)
11th Ave. N. (north of Mainstreet) 408 201
11th Ave. S. (south of Mainstreet) 626 472
8th Ave. N. (north of Mainstreet) 148 147
8th Ave. S. (south of Mainstreet) 306 336
. City staff feels it is also appropriate to inform the council of the estimated costs for
reconstructing 13th A venue South. The estimated pending assessment for reconstruction
is $47,994.70 for St. Joseph's Church. The estimated City costs for the reconstruction
project are $66,268.00. This estimated City cost does not include costs for the proposed
watermain looping that may possibly be done regardless of the decision on the possible
vacation. At this time, neither the Church or the City are proposing any direct City costs
for the changes proposed with the potential vacation. All direct costs associated with the
proposed vacation changes would be the responsibility of S1. Joseph's.
The public hearing and first reading of an ordinance for the petitioned vacation is
scheduled for December 18, 2001. Staff is hopeful that a decision will be able to be
made at that time as to the potential vacation. If a decision is made not to vacate the
roadway, final design for the reconstruction of this portion of 13th Avenue South (which
has been on hold to this point) will be ordered to continue and the project could be
constructed next year as was deemed necessary due to the existing pavement condition,
which is at the point of failure.
.
Roof Development Properties
Tom Roof
December 6. 2001 14369 Waco St N.W.
. Ramsey, MN 55303
(612) 427-3116
Mr. Steven C. Mi~lke, City Manager
City of Hopkins
1010 First Street South
Hopkins, Mn 55343 - 7573
RE: CONSIDERA nON OF CLOSING 13TH A VENUE SOUTH. HOPKINS
D~ Mr. Mielke:
Last evening we, along with several others, met with Paul O'Gorman and John Jelinek.,. Trustees
of St. Joseph's. We welcomed the opportunity to dialogue with them and were pleased that they
informed those in attendance ofa work session on the IILh of December. We were most
appreciative of this information since we cannot be in attendance at the December 18th meeting.
Although we will be attending the work session, we are v.nting to voice our concerns, as we were
informed by Mr. Stadler that the December 11m session could be closed for input from those in
attendance, if the work council so wished. We feel it is essential that we voice our strong
obi~9ns to the closing of 13th. We can appreciate trying to find a win-win situation, but, as of
~s)im~.,,':Ve have, n9! ry~~d ofJll.lY ,su:.:h proposals
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street. an~ (oree tpe tr~ffic~9(qyer'1 OOfuiri.iljes"fo 'use the intersecti01;rof f~rst an4 ',12~:_ '1;bis.'~ '
co_mmunity of over 100 fanuHes DOl.-vis 'boundby Excelsior oIl.the'south,,the park on the , westand
has an exit out of the area byusmg'either 12th-or13111, As you are aware, eaCh famlIygeIlera.t:es
ma.l1Y trips out of the area each day. We believe we heard that each family makes 3.7 trips per
day. This means that approximarely 400 trips would cross theabove~mentioned intersection.
The increased traffic past CitiGables would have an adverse affect on the many seniors who have
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to exIt ontO L~ .f\venue. ~OUltiOI - IY, SeiliOrs WuO cross~... to go to c me.. or oLer areas to
the west would also face a greater risk. ....
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Currently the times t:1Utt school is in sess] on are the times that there is the least amount of traffic
on 13th. This has not been a problem in the past and should not be one in the future. It appears
that this proposal would cause safety risks for a greater population. This population is the seniors
at CltiGables and the over 100 families on the block between 12th & 13th South. _",. ,_ _
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Of suspect is a sUrvey tJ1at was taken on two days in January 1999 to count traffic. This survey
was taken on one day when ity;as snowing and on the other when the. weather was wen below
zero. Would it not have been bettedfthis surveYhad been taken in June, lIlly, ():fAugust when
'. the':pa,rkfield~ are j~ed'wjth traffic and parkinghas'bee;omea'problem? In fact"users ofthc.
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Pa,.rf ~ve.,4s~9u~-~~;nwrt's -parking:,~ptS,.as:tJ1erewas_not toornouthe:~re_ets.:Jt qqeSn t1Jike ."
-much to figrife 'the problems you w6U1d'1ace-lijl'vihgoDe'intersect:ion-and.j~fQl!l~:d~Stt~?t.ssn9u1d a
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"'~ emergen~y arj~ifJ $p~ha;3 a fire truc~ or, ambulance having to get into this area in a tiriie1y
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. We do not believe there is a problem and to take action on this proposal would create more of a
problem than it would solve. If you are truly interested in data regarding this area and traffic
flow, then conduct a study that takes into account Slll11ffier traffic and a much more complete
sampling. Estimates by guessing do not work
Again we question if there is a problem and, if this proposal was enacted upon, would it create a
larger problem? Do you suppose that St. Joseph's does not want to pay the cost of repairing the
street? \Ve sit'cere1y hope this isn't the motivation. 51. Joseph's will gain by not having to pay
for a street and increasing the size of their playground at the expense of over 100 families, as well
as the seniors ofCitiGables.
If safety is a concern, what measures has St. Joseph's taken to deal with the situation? Have they
established student or adult crossing guards during the school day? Have they increased the
signage On the street calling attention to the cross walks? Have they worked with the Hopkins
Police for increased patrols? Have they asked for speed limit signs? Since a great deal of traffic
during school time involves people dropping off and picking up little ones from St. Joseph' s day~
care center, have they done in-service with those people? Under the proposal, this traffic would
still continue. Have they considered an overhead cross walk? Please explore other options, IT in
fact a problem exists.
Of all the schools in Hopkins that have streets adjacent to them, this one probably has the least
amount oftraffic. Would the City consider closing other streets that run past other schools? We
think not
. We hope this letter gets consideration at your work session. Should the meeting be open for
input, we would welcome the opportunity to expand upon our position.
Thank you for the opportunity to express our strong concerns on this matter.
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Dennis & Tom Roof
Roof Development Properties
c: Cecil Kloss, President Citi Gables Association
Steven Stadler, Director of Public Works
Eugene Maxwell, Hop1cins City Council
Richard Brausen, Hopkins City Council
Diane Johnson, Hopkins City Council
Bruce Rowan, Hopkins City Council
Karen Jensen, Hopkins City Council
.
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Page 1 of 1
Steven Bot
. From: Steve C. Mielke
Sent: Tuesday, January 08, 2002 10:10 AM
To: 'LEMKE L 731 @aoLcom'
Cc: Steven Bot
Subject: RE: proposed plan to vacate 13th Av S
Thank you for the message.
I will make sure the City Council is aware of your position on the vacation request by St.
Joseph's Church.
-----Original Message-----
From: LEMKEL731@aol.com [mailto:LEMKEL731@aol.com]
Sent: Monday, January 07, 20024:21 PM
To: smielke@hopkinsmn.com
Subject: proposed plan to vacate 13th Av 5
Just a note to let you know I and my family support the proposed plans
to vacate 13th Av S near St Jospeh's Church.
Lynda Lemke, a member of St Joseph Parish
. 731 8th Av S
Hopkins,MN,55343
email-lemkeI731@aol.com
.
1/1 ]/2002
. From~MINNETONKA NOVACARE +95Z9339048 T-044 p.OOl/OOI F-OB6
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----- --
,
32 - 11th Avenue South #311
e;oPkins, MN 55343-7531
anuary 9, 2002
The Honorable Eugene J. Maxwell, Mayor
City of Hopkins
1010 First Street South
Hopkins, MN 55343
RE: CONSIDERATION OF CLOSING 13TH AVENUE SOUTH
Dear Mr. Maxwell,
I was the builder and owner of the three Mayfair Apartment buildings on 13th Avenue
South, across the street from Central Park. It has been rewarding over the many
years to observe the popularity of this wonderful park faciHty and also to watch the ball
games being played there. I have noted that most of the automobile traffic arrived
from Mainstreet traveling south on 13th Avenue, perhaps due to the Park boundary of
13th Avenue South and the ball fields located there.
.here are six apartment buildings in this city block plus three private homes. The
population totals approximately 200 residents with about 115 cars, this does not take
into consideration visiting guests. If the vacation of 13th Avenue South were to
happen, much of this traffic would be diverted to 1 ih Avenue South.
This additional traffic onto 12th would be of concern to persons living on this Avenue.
CitiGables Condominiums with 49 units and 51 automobile garage stalls has only one
entrance and exit, and that is onto 1 ih Avenue South.
The same condition applies to the Town Homes south of CitiGables .
The original request of S1. Joseph's to the city of Hopkins for vacation (closure) of 13th
Avenue South was the safety of children. This topic has been discussed at the recent
meetings of those involved and it was noted that over the years there have not been
any incidents of traffic problems involving children. It was discussed that there could
be a control of this area with speed limits, school patrols being used and a posting of
school signs.
.MO~~ ~~f~1e7~~> ~,.,./
Cecil Kloss, President of CitiGables Condominiums
'-
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.
32-llth Av. S., #211
Hopkins, MN 55343-7531
January 7, 2002
The Honorable Eugene]. Maxwell, Mayor
City of Hopkins
1010 First Street South
Hopkins, MN 55343
Mr. Maxwell:
I am writing in regard to the vacation of 13th Avenue South, Hopkins, MN.
I live at CitiGables, and I cannot believe that you would even consider such a proposal There
.s no danger to the children attending S1. Joseph's School as far as their crossing 13th Avenue
to the playground. How many years has the school been at that site? How many children so far
have been endangered by the traffic on 13th Av. S.? If it is possible that there might be a
problem in the future, two things would certainly alleviate such problem: 1) the posting of a
lO-mile an hour speed limit, and 2) the use of students with flags to control the traffic when
children are crossing.
The additional traffic that 12th Av. S. would experience if 13th Av. S. were vacated would be
difficult for our residents and for the residents of the townhomes located to the south of our
complex to contend with. In addition, all the residents of the rental units on 13th A v. S. would
be obliged to travel east on 1st S1. S. and then north on 12th Av. S. in order to gain access to
Mainstreet or to continue on 1st S1. S. to 11 th A v. S. in order to gain access to Excelsior
Boulevard. There may not be much of a chance that an emergency might occur at the
intersection of 13th and 1st S1. S, possibly blocking the intersection, but I do feel such an
emergency should be considered.
Most sincerely,
~~tUZU'~u2~c;f , 'ltJ~__
.orraine R. Naze, Association Secretary, CitiGables
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Commercial Real Estate
. FAUCHER COMPANY m
245-9th Ave. N.
Hopkins, MN 55343 n[ALTOIl~
Harold "Frenchy" Faucher
Real Estate Broker Phone (952) 935-0203
Fax (952) 930-9772
January 7, 2002
The Honorable Eugene .I. Maxwell, Mayor
City of Hopkins
1010 1'1 St. So.
Hopkins, MN 55343
Dear Mr. Mayor:
I am in favor of the proposal to vacate that part of 13th Ave. So. lying south of the alley running
East West and parallel to Mainstreet
. This will be a benefit to the school and daycare facilities on the adjoining block and will make the
playgound and surrounding area safe from traffic and congestion.
The City and its people do not need this access and everyone will benefit.
,~vetIY ;"urs,
t u.f~l
~~ld N. Fa cher
ongtime res/ldent
.
.
32-11th Ave. S.
Hopkins, MN 55343-7531
January 9,2002
The Honorable Eugene J. Maxwell, Mayor
City of Hopkins
] 01 0 First Street South
Hopkins, MN 55343
Me Maxwell: RE: Vacating 13th Ave. South
As a boardmember and resident of CitiGables Condominiums, I oppose the closing of
13th Ave. S.
. The increased traffic resulting from such a closure would make exit from CitiGables onto
12th Ave. even more difficult than it already is - both for motorists, but even more-so for
pedestrians who cross to attend St. Joseph's Church or cross to walk the city park.
T have a concern as to the ownership of the 13th Ave. street property if the street is
closed. As an open street, it is the property of the city - in other words all of its citizens. This
question of ownership needs an answer!
I ask the Council to consider the proposal with all citizens' opinions to be equally
weighed.
Sincerely,
~/~ J (f!) Zsd
Zelda L. Lerberg (
.
.
32-11th Av. S.
Hopkins, MN 55343
January 8, 2002
The Honorable Eugene J. Maxwell, Mayor
City of Hopkins
1010 First Street South
Hopkins, MN 55343
Mr. Maxwell: Re: Closing of 13th Avenue South
My wife and I are residents of CitiGables Condominiums and want to officially go on record as
strongly opposing the closing of 13th Avenue South.
'e increased traffic on 12th A venue South resulting from this closure will make access and
egress for our residents and their guests difficult to say the least!
?L/
Also, many of the residents ofCitiGables, which is largely efCatholic population, cross 12th
Avenue and walk to St. Joseph's Church. Their safety should not have to be compromised
because of the considerable increase in traffic.
We do not feel that the reasons presented by the church warrant the closing of this street.
Clearly, the council should unamimously reject this proposal!
Sincerely,
3:t.~ ~ U:;~'-'?.t):a-
Francis L Pavelka
V ice-President, CitiGables
cc: Jensen, Brausen, Johnson, Ro~an
.
.
.
~
From Eunice K. Andren,
)2 - 11th Ave. So"
C Dnd 0 ii 313,
H opkillS, IHllU.
55343
Tel, # 952 935 7857
rri;le Honorabl~ Eugene J. Maxwell, Mayor,
C1. t Y of H () 111i.,U1S , .
1010 - 1st S.t;reet S.o.,
HO'.1-1" rl'" 1" '-5..'4'3
. F~. j;.1, "ll nn. :::' ) .
Dear Me.yor IDucene J Maxwe 11:
. . .. _ I hereby submit a letter
IN FA,Vi QJ!> (F or) St. Jose ph r S Church f s
- JjIr~l)1Josa1 anti reQuest f or the closing
of 13th Ave. So , to ,increase the
safety of children attending @oy care,
. John Ireland school and religiDus-
. ~d u?Erb ~ on 1~ oe.:r~ms, . ale-> 2,- be ne f"L t ir;g
l::8.r::LShl oner,~ attelldlt1..g -:;11; Jose ph s
church. .
1\.t age 88. ( with a cane ~
I attend N.8.ss: every d~ at St. Josep_'i3
church, and I do not forsee any hard-
.--.- ____, -.:f':
, ~1~' inco~~1[.~J;~f-E:,~9~~ or ~~~n~
o'er if the prOJ8C1; 1.13 C omplevea. as sub-
ciItt ed 0 Let's do all VIe call to I.D:'otect
Our children, who ;'l,re the legacy of our
I .' -
future?
I th nt. you and the City
a f 1 and
Council members for your careu-
i . .,' :f tl,e pJ:'oposal.
I prayerful couGl..derat1-oU 0- .,
. ':_ . '1 /,1 ..t2Jl.s;......,j
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.' _. .__.........---/~ / ~ /v J) Ii r;: ,'i/)
, l ,e: ..; >~r i (.. <.:. \ .
1 -
.
Steve,
Phone message on Friday, January 11 th at 1 :16p.m.
.
This is Dorothy Birvowski. We live at 32 11 th Ave South here in City Gables.
We don't want 13th Ave closed off. We have to get our car out here and we are old and I think it would just
add to our driving, it would make it kind of more dangerous then it is right now.
Thank you.
I won't be able to come to the meeting on January 15 but I am voting against it.
Thank you much.
.
.
,--
32 - 11th Avenue South #311
~OPkinsl MN 55343-7531
~anuary 9, 2002
The Honorable Eugene J. Maxwell r Mayor
City of Hopkins
1010 First Street South
Hopkins, MN 55343
RE: CONSIDERATION OF CLOSING 13TH AVENUE SOUTH
Dear Mr. Maxwell,
I was the builder and owner of the three Mayfair Apartment buildings on 13th Avenue
South, across the street from Central Park. It has been rewarding over the many
years to observe the popularity of this wonderful park facility and also to watch the ball
games being played there. I have noted that most of the automobile traffic arrived
from Mainstreet traveling south on 13th Avenue, perhaps due to the Park boundary of
13th Avenue South and the ball fields located there.
tlrhere are six apartment buildings in this city block plus three private homes. The
population totals approximately 200 residents with about 115 cars, this does not take
into consideration visiting guests. If the vacation of 13th Avenue South were to
happen, much of this traffic would be diverted to 1 ih Avenue South.
This additional traffic onto 1 ih would be of concern to persons living on this Avenue.
CitiGables Condominiums with 49 units and 51 automobile garage stalls has C'nly one
entrance and exit, and that is onto 1 ih Avenue South.
The same condition applies to the Town Homes south of CitiGables .
"he original request of S1. Joseph's to the city of Hopkins for vacation (closure) of 13th
. venue South was the safety of children. This topic has been discussed at the recent
n 'etings of those involved and it was noted that over the years there have not been
any incidents of traffic problems involving children. It was discussed that there could
be a control of this area with speed limits, school patrols being used and a posting of
school signs.
.MOtt SinC~IYI
0M:i! _l~
Cecil Kloss, President of CitiGables Condominiums
..._-_.~.....--..,
32 - 11 TH Avenue South #109
aJopkins, MN 55343-7531
~anuary 10,2002
The Honorable Eugene J. Maxwell, Mayor
City of Hopkins
1010 First Street South
Hopkins, MN 55343
Dear Mr. Maxwell,
I want to respond to the request of S1. Joseph's Church to have a closure of
13th Avenue from Mainstreet to 1 st Street south in Hopkins.
My husband and I were among the first persons to purchase a condominium
at CitiGables. This was eleven years ago and the move has proven to be a
comfortable and safe home for me. Both of us enjoyed walking around our
ety, making many friends and renewing acquaintances.
The driveway from CitiGables is onto 12th Avenue South. Traffic has
increased in the past years with many family units now driving two cars.
The added traffic that would need to use 12th Avenue, should 13th be closed,
could be a serious problem for our entrance and exit onto 12th Avenue.
Most of these cars travel at a fast speed and with parking permitted on both
sides of the street, vision is blocked until the car is almost on the street.
Why would anyone consider closing a city avenue at a time? We need all
streets for moving traffic for people shopping and enjoying our beautiful city.
Sincerely, ( ~_
CAd~ ~ -r ( 0 1
'oris Johnson, Former board member and now Keeper of the Keys
n V" L ,-" ~ I,J I.j I ..I 1..1, I III "oJ.. I l........V I 11....11\.1-'1.... j, ..... V I ~ I, J
-
Sf BENSHOOF & ASSOCIATES, INC.
TRANSPORTATION ENG1NEERS AND PLANNERS
10417 EXCELSIOR BOULEVARD, SUITE IWO 1 HOPKlNS, MN 55343 / (612) 238-16571 FIlA (612) 238-1671
February 15, 1999 REFER TO RLE: 99-08
MEMORANDUM
."
TO: Steven Stadler ~
FROM: James A BenSho~~d Kenneth W. Anderson
RE: Traffic Review of PrQPosed 13<ll Avenue S. Closure
PROPOSAL
SI. Joseph Catholic Church School has requested that Hopkins close a portion of 13th Avenue S.
from the ~ey south of Main St. to a paint just north of 1 R Street S. The purpose of this closure
would be to connect church propeny east of 13m Avenue S. "With the school/church development
. west of 13'" Avenue S.
This closure would redirec! vehicle trips, which are presently using this street, and the City has
asked our firm (0 review the pr~bable impacts of such. redirection on the neighborhood street
system.
BACKGROUND
Eleventh Avenue S- connects the Main Street business area with Excelsior Blvd. at a signalized
intersection_ Central Psrk forms a neighborhood boundary west of l3Ll1 Avenue S. A one and a
]I .d . 111
half block area between 1 and 2 Streets S., east of Central Park and west of 11 ,Avenue has a
mixmre of single family homes and apanments. Access to and from this area is restricted to 1 n
1h <h. .
Street S. (easterly) and 12 or 13 Avenue S. (northerly).
A church play field and parking lars, along with the Legion Club, which'fronts on 12th Avenue $,
utilize the.area between 12th and 13th, north of 1st Street S. The church wishes to use the 13111
Avenue S. right-of-way as an ex.pansion area for parking and as access to the. church play field
(Figure 1). The City would retain rhe street section to me commercial alley south of the Main St.
businesses. Access to the church. school and parking lots would be reconfigured to discourage
through trips_
Tow!] hOlises and apartment buildings in the south 'half of the block between 11m Avenue $- and
121ll Avenue S-. north of First Street take access via 12'" Avenue S. Redirection of trips from 13cll
Avenue S. to 121h Avenue S. \Vill have some impact on access and egress to these units.
.
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CITY OF HOPKINS TRAFFIC REVIEW FIGURE 1
. OF
1 PROPOSED i3TH AVENUE CURRENT CONCEPT PLAN
0-
W BENSHOOF &. ASSOCIATES! INC. CLOSURE
TlWI3POFITATJIl II ENtllNEEH3J.1l0 PLAII 1IE!l1l
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~~r.Sieven Stadler -]~ February 15, 1999
. TR4.FFIC COUNTS
City [raffk counrs on 11 <h Avenue S. show char ~he segment beIween ExcelslorBlvd. and Main SL
carries 10,000 vehicles per day. Main St wes~ of 11"' Avenue S, carries 8,100 vehicles per day_
Manual traffic counts were made by City staff from7 IO ~ a.m., from 11 :00 a.m. to 1 :00 p,m., and
from 4:00 co 6:00 p_m. on two consecutive days in January 1999 (Monday, January 11, 1999 and
Tuesday, Jlli.lI.lary 12, 1999). Tuming movements were counred on 1" Avenue S. at lZIlt Street S.
and at 131/1 Screer S. Entering and exiting movements were also recorded at the Legions parking
lot, townhouses and condos on 12i'1 Avenue and ar the St Joseph's schooL TWQ~hour volumes
. (average of twe days) are shown OIl Fig. 2~4. It should be no!ed that activity in Central Park is
less intense in winter months and that additional trips could be e;tpecEed during the summer
period in conjunction with ball games and/or other park related activities.
OBSERVATIONS
Based an review of the City traffic data and observations in the area, we have dere.rmined that
mas! trips using streets in this neighborhood consist afme following movements:
a) Neighborhood trips - Travel wirh an origin or destination at dwelling unirs served by
101 Street S., 121lt Avenue S. or 13!b Avenue S.
b) Business trips - Travel to or from the Leglon Club or ocher businesses north of
l!l Street S_
. c) Church traffic trips: - Primarily related to the church school during peak periods on
weekdays. This includes par-ems &opping of or picking IJ.p students.
d) Sbort--cut traffic - Some motorists traveling berween the west orr Main Street and the
south on 11l/l. Avenue are using 11..... or 13"' Avenue in order to avoid delays at the Main
StreEt/ll'" Avenue traffic signal.
PROBABLE CP..ANGES IN TRAFF1C MOV:ElVlENT
, . Based an OUt traffic review, we have determined that the proposed closure ol 13th Avenue w\l_~
have the fonowing effects on the neighborhood:
. Residential rr-affic, which presently uses 13th A venue S. to reach Main Street, will have 10
re1oC2.re to 121h Avenue S. This is estimated to be 30 La 40 trips per hour during the peak
hour. 12ln A venue S. carries a moming peak hour volume of 40 to 50 vehicles per hour and
an evenmgpeak hour volume of SO to 85 vehicles per hour. With 13Ul. Avenue S. closed,
neighborhood trips will increase volumes on l21lt Avenue S- to an estimated 70-80 a...m. trips
and 90- t 25 p.m. trips. It should be noted that the predomin.Ent flow on 12'" Avenue S. is
southbound and the predominant flow from the neighborhood:is northbound. Therefore, tilL
impac t oL~his retii:reft~dl).Q.~~Jl.[I.Qf.J?~_a-significan.tlJ!"E blem.
~~- - --- . -----,
. Some trips between Main Street (west of 13~ Avenue S.) and the nil> Avenue S./ExceIsior
Blvd_ intersection presently shorr-cut through the neighborhood to avoid delays at signals
along Main Street. (.Note the heavy southbound to eastbound left turns from 12 and 13l/l.
Avenue S, to First Street S. and rhe heavy westbound to northbound righr CUms from
. westbound First Street S. to the nOr!h). We would expect a shift of some traffic back to the
1111l A venueiMain Street intersection and some movement of trips from 13lJl A venue to l211l
Avenue if 13111 Avenue is vaca{ed. We projectthar.1:he segment of 12ih Avenue S. between
Main Street and First Street S, will show an increase of approximately 20 Dips (lO
northbound and 10 southbound) in each of the peak hours due IO redirected shorr cut trips.
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Nate: V(l/umes are avera f
. NOnO SCA1.5 ,n Monday, - 1~."i',~,~Tu'!:'l",'" by ""I,,<I.ti
........ ~.....y, Jan. 12. lS99
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. CllY OF HOPKINS TRAFFIC REVIEW FIGURE 2
-1 OF
00 BENSHOOF & ASSOCL'JES INC PROPOSED 13TH AVENUE EXISTING TRAFFIC
V _,,,"A""'''''''''',,"''':''''';' _ CLOSURE VOLUMES FROM
. 7:00 TO 9:00 AM
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I t Note: Volumes am averages of
~OT TO SCA.!..E on Monday, JaIL 11. 1999~~~rded by C1ly staff
I sy, Jan. 12, 1999
,. ~, ~
. CITY OF HOPKINS TRAFFIC REVIEW FIGURE 3
OF
W' BENSHOOF & ASSOCJATES ING PROPOSED 13TH AVENUE EXISTING TRAFFIC
'['RAlIsPOAT ATIONE/J llINEERSAH C P~NN~~S CLOSURE VOLUMES FROM
11 :00 AM TO 1 :00 PM
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Nota; Volumes are ave'11es f
~NOiTO SOLE on Monday, Jan. 1 r '9~s~~~~:o~4 by City staff
'If, an. 12, 1999
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. CITY OF HOPKINS TRAFFIC REVIEW FIGURE 4
OF
W BENSHOOF & ASSOC[ATES INC PROPOSED 13TH AVENUE EX1STING TRAFFIC
TR),lI~POlli.mON EN(lINEE~S~HO P~N~5 CLOSURE VOLUMES FROM
4:00 TO 6:00 PM
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Mr. Ste'{en Sm.dler .7. Febru~y 15. 1999
. Some [rips to and from the Legion parking lot will be forced.to use me 12'" Avenue
.
entrance/e:dt rau~er than entering or leaving via 13'" Avenue. We estimate Ihis to add six
vehicles w l. 2ih A venue S. in the morning and 16 vehicles in the evening wich an even
directioncl split.
ill .A..namer group of drivers to be impacted by iliis change is parents dropping off or picking
up children at St. Joseph]s School. The present movement from Fint Street S. yia 131h
Avenue will be replaced by an access from the alley behind the Legion Club. We estimate
mat ten cars per Dour in each direction wIn be added EO 12111 Avenue S. during each of the
rush hours as a result of these movements. Note mat this increase will also be added to the
alley rraffie.
For analysis, the two-hour coum periods were converted to one-hour (peak hour) volumes.
Noon period (11:00 a.m. TO 1:00 p.m.) VOlumes were also evaluated and were found IO be
significantly lower than either of the peak hours. The following table presents me expected.
volume changes on 12'" Avenue S. north of I" Street if l31ll Avenue is dosed. The evening
peak hour has tile higher volumes' and represents the criteria for impact evaluation
Summsr)' of Expected Volume Changes on 12111 Avenue S.
North of 1,B Street S. if 1311I A venue is Closed
A.M Peak Hour PM Peak HOJJ!
NB SB Tara] Nl3 SB Total
. Exisdng volumes 20 30 50 35 SO 85
Additional volUIIles if
13tlt Avenue is closed
.Neighborhood nips 10 10 30 25 15 40
----=-- Short-cut trips 10 10 20 10 10 20
Legion trips 3 .., 6 8 8 16
;J
~_../ SchoQUrips 10 .ill 20 lQ 1Q ~.
TOLal volumes if 13lh
A venue is closed 63 63 126 88 93 181
EVALUATION
ImpactS on Neie-hborhood Tritls (Residents to South W110 Now Use 13111 Avenue
Closing 1301\ Avenue S. will redirect some neighborhood trips [Q 12111 Avenue S. We do not fl::el
chat the resultant one or- two blocks of additional aavel distance will represent a major imposition
on the neighborhood.
Irnoacr:;i on the 12m Avenue S. Townhouses and Condos
Increased rraffic on 12'" Avenue S. norm or 1" Street S. will result in slight increases in delay for
. entering or exiting motorists using these driveways on 121h Avenue. The resultam delays,
however, are not expected to be substantial because driveway volumes are ligh[ and because !he
tm:al projected volumes on li.o Avenue are jusdn the moderare: category.
-----
II U i 1\':' ,',' '.i I~W. V I 1 I, I L
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Mr Steven Stadler .8- February 15, 1999
. Fire and Safetv Impacrs
Closing L3'~ Avenue S. will I'eGirecI police surv~iUance paths. The police department should
comment on any concerns for pa,rol parrems. We have some concern that fire response apparatus
will have only a single pach access to the neighborhood.. However. l"{ Street S. is the most direcr
approach path md this will nor change. We recommend that a second emergency only access be
provided ar 11m Avenue S, and 2"" Avenue S. for use if the }" Street SJ12J.l1 Avenue S.intersection,
is blocked. ,-
Si;hoo I Droo-off ImpactsU
Parents traveling beIween the school and the somheast on 13<ll Avenue and 1" StreeI will have to
redirect their [ravel path, most likely to i lLll Avenue S. and Main StreeL
Effect on "Short-Cm" Traffic
Dri'/ers who want to, ailoidthe Main Street signals will have one less option availabie. This ,',
impact should nor, in and of ~cself, be a deciding ractor. However, th~se trips along with the other
traffic diverted. to [he lZI!l Avenue SJ1vl:ain Street signal will increase delays at thaI intersection.
Then: also will be some diversion of Ehese "short-em" trips back to me lllh Avenue/lVIain Street
imersection. We view any shift of mps to the 11 ih AvenueMain Street imersection as a positive
change because these streers are intended for such use.
. CONCLUSIONS
-While peak hour volumes on 12Ul Avenue S. are expected ro increase from 50 vehicles per hour to
126 vehicles per hour (a.m. peak) and from 85 vehicles per hour to 181 vehicles per hour (p.m.
peak), the volumes still would be in the normal range far local downtown srreets.
We have some concern for design derails aI rbe 13'" Avenue S. intersection with the commercial
alley. This alley is too narrow for two-way traffic movemems. If nil> A venue is closed south of
the aIiey, we recommend mat the alley be restricted to one-way travel, eastbound from 13lh
AVenlie S. to 12"' Avenue S.
..
If the City is interested in closing the subject segment or 13lll A venue, we recommend thanhe
church and school develop a basic traffic operations plan for approval by the City before final
action occurs to close the street. This operations plan is impotunr to identify the basic ingress
and egress patterns ~hat would be used for different church and school functions and routing
suggestions that would be communicated to users. Objectives iliat should be accomplished in this
operations plan include:
.. Maximize traffic use of Main Screet and 11 ill Avenue
lit Minimize traffic use of 12lh Avenue by the condominium and townhouse developmentS'.
. Minimize traffic use of the alley between 12ID. and 13ill Avenues somh of Main StreeL
... Minimize vehicle/pedestrian conflicts in the expanded parking lot.
. Provided that I:he suggeSIions expressed in dlis repon are implemented., we are confident tha( Ihe
subject segment of 13'~ Avenue S. can be closed withom causing any significant traffic
difficulties.
-. --