Proposed Sidewalks - Responses to Frequently Asked Questions

1. As part of the public engagement for the Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan (PBMP) in 2017, the public was given opportunities in-person and online to identify locations in Edina where they currently like to walk/bike or where they would like to walk/bike if the routes were improved or barriers removed. The online engagement maps here and here show that a walk/bike barrier was identified in the Prospect Knolls neighborhood along Lee Valley Rd, Down Rd, Kerry Rd, Dublin Rd, 70th St and Antrim Rd.
2. The recommendations in the PBMP are based on network analysis, best practices and public engagement. The identified route through Prospect Knolls indicated a desire for a north/south route through this neighborhood. The route that was included in the PBMP recommendations (Shannon Dr / Kemrich Dr / Fleetwood Dr / Lanham Ln) was likely selected because it is the shortest, most direct pedestrian route through the neighborhood. This route also fills a gap in the sidewalk network between Gleason Rd and Cahill Rd.

In the Living Street Plans, Fleetwood Dr and Lanham Ln are classified as "local streets" with sidewalks as an optional feature. Why is staff now recommending the sidewalk?

1. The Living Streets Plan was adopted in 2015; the Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan was adopted in 2018. The PBMP expanded on the pedestrian and bicycle facility recommendations in the Living Streets Plan by prioritizing connections to important destinations including schools, parks, commercial area, employment, transit and regional corridors. The proposed sidewalk on Shannon Dr / Kemrich Dr / Fleetwood Dr / Lanham Ln provides additional connections to Edina High School/Valley Middle School and to Lewis Park.

How would a formal request for a special hearing meeting, possibly in November, be submitted? What is required?

1. There is no formal process for resident(s) to request a “special” City Council meeting. Residents are encouraged to meet / talk with Council as they see fit. A Councilmember may ask for a meeting to be scheduled based on resident request, but this does not mean all Councilmembers will agree on a meeting. Residents may use the community comment process to request a meeting as well. Community comments can be provided at the City Council meetings in person or by phone. The City Council is also available by email.
2. Otherwise, testimony can be provided in November on this website for the December 8 Public Hearing. Residents can provide testimony in-person or by phone during the December 8 Public Hearing. Public testimony can be provided until noon December 10, when the hearing closes. The City Council will listen all of the testimony and make a final decision on the proposed sidewalks at their meeting on December 16.

Has the City performed a safety study of Fleetwood Dr / Lanham Ln that supports the need for the sidewalk?

1. The City has not performed safety studies to justify the installation of new sidewalks in the community. Expanding the pedestrian network supports goals in the Comprehensive Plan related to improving accessibility and mobility, reducing dependence on motor vehicles, and encouraging active transportation.

What are the existing and proposed street widths on Fleetwood Dr / Lanham Ln?

1. The current street width is approximately 30’.
2. The proposed street width for all streets with a proposed sidewalk is 24’, consistent with the recommendations in the Living Streets Plan.

If we have additional questions for staff on the sidewalk, who can we contact?

1. Andrew Scipioni, Transportation Planner, ascipioni@edinamn.gov, 952-826-0440 or Chad Millner, Engineering Director, cmillner@edinamn.gov, 952.826.0318.