City briefs - May 2024

Timothy Sexton has been approved by the city council as the new Public Works Director.  His term ends in January 2026. 

 

In May, the city approved work to begin, and the special assessments, for the accessibility improvements and street resurfacing along the local streets between Kenwood Pkwy. to Douglas Ave., and Morgan Ave. S to Lyndale Ave. S. These streets were reconstructed in 1994 and have a pavement conditions index (PCI) score of of 61 out of 100, which is considered to be in fair condition so that a full reconstruction is not needed.  This new surface is expected to extend the street’s life, improve ride quality and help slow further deterioration of the street.

 

The city has approved a framework for parks and trails for the development planned at Lake St. and Nicollet, which will reconnect Nicollet at the former Kmart site. They have also started work on a Memorandum of Understanding with the Park and Recreation Board to transfer of property for a future park. The approved concept includes the new public park located along the Midtown Greenway, between the new Nicollet Ave and 1st, and a location for an indoor recreation area located on the first floor of a building next to the park, as well as walking and biking connections. 

 

Runway construction work, that includes installation of new pavement markings, lighting, and signs, will be going this summer into the fall at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP). People may notice increase in noise and activity over their neighborhood, depending on the flight patterns and runway configurations chosen by the FAA during the upcoming construction. If people have questions or concerns, they can contact airport at 612-726-9411, or visit https://metroairports.org/runway-construction  

 

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board has voted to “pause decision making” regarding the new design for The Mall that runs along the Midtown Greenway west of Hennepin to Bde Maka Ska Parkway.  On May 7, and the board also directed their staff to “discuss the Mall’s entire master plan design” with the city of Minneapolis city engineer and fire marshal. Commissioner Tom Olson was the only vote against the delay. The Southwest Service Area Master Plan, which includes a vision for the future of The Mall Park that is to be implemented as part of sewer construction this year, was approved by the board in 2020. It includes a new trail connection to the greenway, a shared-use woonerf, and reclaimed for green space. Part of the plan that would remove the driving lane and parking between Bde Maka Ska Parkway and Irving Avenue was discussed.