Creek Knoll A & B Neighborhood Roadway Reconstruction

No one wants a sidewalk to eat up half their yard, nor do they want to maintain it. It will be safer for kids and pedestrians if it’s constructed. I live on 55th and theres a lot of both unfortunately and especially because of the bridge over the creek.

Betsy Henderson, 5409 Abbott Place. I don't live on Beard, but I have walked my dog to the cul-de-sac, over the bridge and up the steps for 25 years. We listened to the city's defense of the sidewalk as:
1) a survey answer to "I would walk more if I felt safe".
2) making walk ways more accessible for all need types, and I believe elderly and disabled were mentioned.
I would encourage the city to re-visit that survey in light of the many comments of the property owners who live on the street you may be invading. If it isn't broken, don't fix it.
Secondly, I pass walkers/runners on the bridge, and bikes carried up the bridge, all happy campers. I heard nothing in the city's plan to enhance the bridge for the same reasons a sidewalk is needed, to enhance the bridge for all "needs".
Lastly, assuming all those making the decision for a sidewalk on Beard are also property owners, could they consider the golden rule? Just go to each home on Beard, stand on their small lots and ask: "Would I want this sidewalk on my property?" And if you say no, how would you feel if you were required to pay for it regardless?

Dear Mayor and Edina City Council:

Our family with two school age children are strongly IN FAVOR of the proposed sidewalk along Beard Ave. S.

There are many less vocal residents in the neighborhood that also SUPPORT Edina’s sidewalk network in general, and the Beard Ave. S. sidewalk in particular.

Removing the Beard Ave. sidewalk would set an unfortunate precedent. Future sidewalk projects will be derailed by a vocal few.

This sidewalk makes sense. Beard ave. is a very popular approach to the creek for neighborhood kids carrying rafts, tubes, kayaks and canoes.

As Edina’s population grows older on the whole, and as we become more diverse both racially and economically, the need for these safety improvements will only become more important in years to come.

Research indicates that people will walk for recreational purposes if a facility is provided. Recreational walking is one of the easiest ways for people to get the recommended allotment of physical exercise each day.

Spending time walking through a neighborhood, rather than driving, helps people have a better sense of what makes it unique–and more likely to want to help take care of it.

While not everyone can afford a car or knows how to drive, walking is universally accessible. Designing pedestrian infrastructure for those who are less mobile also helps make the experience of walking better for everyone.

For a historical perspective, I suspect the original reason for not building sidewalks in Edina neighborhoods was to give these developments a “high-class” non-urban image by discouraging walking.

As most pedestrians are children, senior citizens, or the handicapped, this lack of sidewalks could be considered discriminatory or inequitable. For many people with disabilities who use wheelchairs or scooters, using roads is not safe for them as they are unable to get out of the way onto the grass should they realize an oncoming car is dangerously close. Sidewalks are necessary for their safety.

By building neighborhoods that are inaccessible to people with disabilities, one might as well say, “Don't bother coming to live here or if you do, trying to visit your neighbors.”

Sidewalks are taking on increasing significance as planners and engineers recognize that getting people walking in sidewalks actually is a great way of getting them out of cars.

We need to design physical activity back into our everyday lives by facilitating walking as a regular daily mode of transport. In addition to the host of health benefits, there are many economic benefits when it comes to walking. It is the lowest carbon, least polluting, cheapest and most reliable form of transport, and is also a great social leveller.

Research is clear that sidewalks provide numerous health, economic, and safety benefits for the community. The availability of sidewalks is one of the most effective ways to encourage walking. According to studies from AARP, people who live in neighborhoods with sidewalks are almost 50 percent more likely to be active for at least 30 minutes a day.

Walkable communities can also offer many financial benefits, such as a reduction in healthcare costs. Businesses also benefit as residents are more likely to shop locally when there is increased connectivity between residential and business/commercial districts.

There are many health and economic benefits related to walkable communities. As a parent, the greatest benefit sidewalks provide is safety for pedestrians, especially children.

I feel it is our duty to provide safe, easily accessible places for children in our community to bike and walk.

Neighborhoods need sidewalks. Just because Edina accepted the Creek Knoll development plat and decided 90 years ago to not have a pedestrian grid doesn't make it Green Acres. Please keep the Beard Ave. S. sidewalk as planned. The sidewalk will serve as a vital north-south link and provide equitable access to the existing sidewalk network and businesses near the project.

- John Klos - 5413 Abbott Place -

Sandro Garofalo, 5505 Beard Court. I appreciate Mayor Hovland’s and the Engineering Department’s acknowledgment of the potentially significant storm drainage issues that are present along the westerly edge of the Beard Court cul-de-sac. My fellow neighbor on the courtyard and I have been in regular contact with Mr. Ditzler about this issue during the planning stages of the project. That dialogue has been constructive and appreciated.

When it storms, the courtyard experiences heavy surface flow from two directions: running south from Beard Ave. and east from 55th Street. While this has been a longstanding problem, with the heavier rainfalls we have experienced in the past 5-6 years, the water flow has become even more pronounced and worrisome, as storm water laps against our garage door and partially floods our driveway and lawn when the rain is severe. The current drainage provided by the gully on the west edge of the Beard Ct. cul-de-sac is inadequate. I appreciate the City’s commitment to addressing this issue, and look forward to working with the Engineering Department on a solution.

I oppose adding a sidewalk on Beard Court and widening the Beard Court circle. There was little to no discussion on Monday as to the purported benefits of expanding the courtyard. However, the drawbacks are apparent -- the proposed widening would result in a 10’ incursion onto private lots on the NE edge, and a 12’ incursion on the SW edge. While some added hardscape may be needed to accommodate new storm drains, such a wide expansion is unwarranted.

The courtyard is already substantial in size. The City plow service already does an excellent job removing snow on the cul-de-sac. The current boundary of the cul-de-sac poses no impediment; in average snow falls the snowplow is in and out of the courtyard in a few minutes. Adding more hardscape in the form of a sidewalk and more paved courtyard would only increase, not lessen, the amount of snow that gets deposited. Parking is already plentiful along the surrounding streets (as borne out by the neighborhood survey) and within the courtyard itself, so more parking does not appear to be a rationale for widening the courtyard.

The proposed Beard Ct expansion will not make it easier to plow, improve snow management, or ameliorate any other identified concern relating to the public use and enjoyment of the courtyard. On the other hand, the proposed widening would detract from the beauty and appeal of a picturesque and wooded walking area, intrude unnecessarily on our lot and those of our neighbors, and replace wooded areas, hedges and a mature tree with more pavement, in a cul-de-sac that is already generously sized.

For these reasons, we hope the City does not approve a sidewalk on, or enlargement of, Beard Court, except insofar as is truly necessary to remediate the significant storm drainage concerns.

Michelle Hoff, 3509 W 55th St I live next to Mr Soper who testified at the City Council meeting on 12/7/20. I eagerly await the reconstruction (curb/gutter) as heavy rains are washing away lawns and creating deep gullies in yards especially on 55th.
The 54th/55th/Beard juncture is extremely quiet with traffic primarily consisting of local residents. I have signed the petition to eliminate the sidewalk on Beard due to this limited pedestrian traffic and an overly dramatic change to western residential front gardens so close to these homes. .
In addition, the natural beauty leading to the creek on Beard Court needs to be maintained and storm runoff managed. I understand underground infrastructure may be needed. However, I propose some sort of rain garden where the Beard Court sidewalk is planned. I assume a lot of the trees and herbaceous plant material will be eliminated during construction. A rain garden will regenerate a naturalized aesthetic while help filter water runoff. Keeping our creek cleaner as it filters impurities. I was honored to be interviewed by Edina staff for creating one of the first rain gardens in Edina with the help of the Minnehaha Watershed District. We can't have enough rain gardens.
I also oppose enlarging the cul-de-sac. The cul-de-sac supports two homes and a sprinkling of pedestrian traffic. I see the cul-de-sac more as a larger driveway. Emergency vehicles can access each residence and creek emergencies as is today why enlarge? The need to access that area remains the same but will only "commercialize" this hidden sanctuary.
Thank you,
Michelle Hoff

Chris Soper, 3505 W 55th. Thank you for the opportunity to testify at the City Council meeting last night. I wanted to follow up on the storm water drainage discussion. I agree with the Mayor that now is our chance to get the drainage right, and I support storm water drainage improvement in the neighborhood. After every heavy rain, water flows east down 55th street, over lawns, and into the swale west of the Beard Court cul-de-sac. Curb and gutter is badly needed on 55th. But once the water gets to the swale, the swale handles the water leading to the creek without overflowing. The creek itself does flood, and water seeps on the north side of the creek, both on my lawn and on the city property near the bridge. And the street path from Beard Court leading to the pedestrian bridge gets water flow. So storm drainage and the swale warrant review and improvement. 

I understand that adding storm drainage may require some hardscape, and that we'll have to consider snow removal and emergency access. But given the small size and unique position of the cul-de-sac -- only two houses, with a path leading to the bridge -- and the natural setting of the creek knoll, the City should try to minimize hardscape and maximize green space and trees when designing storm drainage on that land. We should improve the swale and make it as nice as possible, rather than pave it over. We should maintain as much of the natural setting as possible. We should preserve the forest-like feel on both sides of the bridge. Let's add to the natural beauty of the creek! A boulevard sidewalk plus an expanded cul-de-sac bulb will not accomplish that. 

Finally, I recognize that my comments partially address the design phase of the project (which will happen over the next few months) rather than plan approval (up for a Council vote next week). But eliminating the Beard Court sidewalk from the plan now will allow the City more flexibility in how it approaches designing drainage and the swale. Removing the sidewalk from the plan will help ensure that creek knoll retains its connection to nature. 

Regardless of what the Council decides, I look forward to discussing the design of the drainage swale with Aaron Ditzler and Charlie Gerk over the winter. I appreciate the communication from them so far, and I've been extremely pleased with their responsiveness, their knowledge, and their willingness to accept input from residents. I'd like to thank them for that, and I look forward to our continued collaboration.

My name is Jamie Ford and my family home is located on the corner of 54th and Beard St. This home was built by my great grandfather and was once the town's corner grocery store. The Creek Knoll neighborhood is loved for this classic charm, which is just one reason why the neighbors have come together and strongly opposed this sidewalk. The other reasons are pure logistic. There is a power pole placed on the corner that would be in the center of the purposed sidewalk. The houses are built close to the road way, meaning walkers on this new sidewalk will be walking in close proximity to the houses. This will both devalue the homes in the neighborhood and lead to concerns for decreased privacy and increased theft. During the winter month snow plows create high snow banks on this side of the street creating a significant burden to those responsible for clearing these sidewalks. This may create a health hazard for the elderly living on these streets who already struggle to clear their own walkways. This sidewalk is widely opposed by the those who would directly use it. We request that you invest our tax dollars in projects wanted by the community.

Sam Lieberman - Concerned Citizen - I have visited this area and feel strongly against the proposed sidewalk. After talking with one family whose home has been on West 54th and Beard for generations, I can say that this sidewalk should NOT be built. The proximity of the sidewalk to people's homes is a blaring privacy concern in a neighborhood known for its quiet and peaceful nature. Additionally, clearing the snow off the sidewalk adds unneeded hardship to families during the midst of a pandemic. There is also a large utility pole which would have to be moved in order for the sidewalk to be built. This project is a huge waste of hard earned taxpayer money and does not accurately reflect what the people want to see out of their elected city officials.

Anna Chernakova
Resident
3512 W. 55th St. Edina

Preserving the unique character of Creek Knoll while making improvements is the goal I believe. However the timing of this meeting as well as the timing of the project could not have been worst. We are in the midst of a pandemic. Many of us are adversely affected both psychologically and financially. Please consider this too.

Ryan and Lauren Peterson at 5409 Beard Ave S - We are strongly against the proposed 2 block long sidewalk on Beard Ave S from Minnehaha creek to 54th. We are residents on Beard Ave S where the proposed sidewalk is planned to go in and believe it is a waste of taxpayers dollars for many reasons:
- We have three no thru streets with very little traffic, why is a sidewalk necessary?
- Loss of neighborhood character
- A big part of why we live where do is the quite and quaint neighborhood with wide streets
- Privacy concerns
- Loss of green space - Aren't we trying add green space in Edina?
The residents of Beard Ave S have spoken and all agree this is unnecessary, please leave our neighborhood as is.

Changes like adding a sidewalk should for reasons that benefit, or when a neighborhood comes together to ask for it for good reason.
We've been opposed to this and heard from so many in the neighborhood who are as well. We chose our new home location based on positives like a quaint neighborhood and wide streets. Edina has many different neighborhoods, I understand why a sidewalk would make sense in some. Don't use it's planned in others to make decisions across the board. It really does not seem to fit the neighborhood, be appreciated or be a help. Please leave be. 5407 Abbott Pl

Kim and Margaret Zander
3500 West 55th St.
We are the corner house at 55 Th and Beard Ave.

We are apposed to the addition of a sidewalk for the street project in our Creek Knoll neighborhood. The sidewalk along Beard Ave, from Minnehaha Creek bridge to 54th St. for the following reasons:
First and foremost is a privacy and safety issue for our home and others facing the sidewalk. Our house faces 55th St ,and our side yard is on Beard Ave with a small amount of property next to the street. Side yards have a much smaller set back then front yards. The sidewalk will be very close to all of our windows on the east side. We have lots of walking traffic on this street because of the bridge over the creek. We will need to have all of the drapes shut all day and evening. People will be very close to the house and with direct sight into our Livingroom and dining room. Our safety concern is that we have already had 4 car riffling and a break in into our garage and porch in the past 2 years. We worry that with more vision into our home we feel this is a security issue. Therefore, we appose the sidewalk for privacy and safety reasons.
Another reason we appose the sidewalk is the parking ban on one side of a narrowed street. All neighbors on both sides of Beard Ave are apposed to this sidewalk. We urge Mayor Hovland and the City Council to remove plans for the construction of a sidewalk in the stretch between Minnehaha Creek and West 54th Street.
Kim and Margi Zander

We are strongly against to the proposed sidewalk between Minnehaha Creek and West 54th Street for the reasons set forth in our neighborhood petition, namely that it is not a worthy use of taxpayer money given the minimal car traffic in our area. (Beard Avenue and West 55th Street are dead ends at Minnehaha Creek.)
Should a sidewalk be installed as proposed, it will require a retaining wall be built along our entire front yard, as we have a steep hill running along Beard Avenue. Our adult son has Down Syndrome and is on the autism spectrum. He does not understand the potential risk of falling over a retaining wall onto a concrete sidewalk. The benefit of a sidewalk in a neighborhood that does not want it is simply not worth the risk.
We urge Mayor Hovland and the City Council to remove plans for the construction of a sidewalk in the stretch between Minnehaha Creek and West 54th Street.