12. Light Rail Transit I , ! ,
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, 690 COULTER DRIVE • P.O. BOX 147 • CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA 55317
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1 MEMORANDUM V
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TO: Don Ashworth, City Manager Rej.a„d_ __..____ _
1 FROM: Barbara Dacy, Cit Planner �� Date__ ?=a�~.� �
y i y l/� Date SL'': .Ott, „ :H;a
I DATE: July 20 , 1988
Pate St, i it
SUBJ: Light Rail Transit - 7-25 &e --,
1 BACKGROUND
I Commissioner Klingelhutz appeared at the Council' s July 11, 1988,
meeting, requesting input from Chanhassen as to whether or not
the Carver County Regional Rail Authority (CCRRA) should pursue
I purchasing the railroad right-of-way. As indicated by a July 6 ,
1988 memo from Roger Gustafson to Commissioners Klingelhutz and
Swanson, the CNW Railroad is available for purchase during the
latter part of 1988 .
1 On January 11, 1988 , the City Council discussed the light rail
transit issue as it affects Chanhassen. The attached memorandum
1 dated January 7 , 1988, was presented for Council' s information.
During Hennepin County' s planning process two corridors were pro-
posed to serve the southwest area. The "north route" was pro-
posed along railroad right-of-way already owned by Hennepin
,
County from Minneapolis through St. Louis Park, Hopkins ,
Minnetonka, the communities on the south side of Lake Minnetonka
and terminating in Victoria. The "south route" was proposed from
I Minneapolis through the southerly portion of St. Louis Park,
Hopkins , and into Eden Prairie to Chanhassen and into Chaska.
Opposition was stated by residents along the north corridor
I during the public hearings conducted on the southwest corridor .
Hennepin County on June 21, 1988 , deleted the north corridor from
the plan not only because of the impacts to the abutting neigh-
borhoods but also they felt that a light rail route along the
1 south corridor could better alleviate potential congestion on
highways in the Eden Prairie area. Further, because Eden Prairie
appears to be an importer of employees , it is hoped that even-
t tually this line could be used as a route for reverse commute
trips. The ridership potentials betweeen the north and south
corridors are very similar ( see Attachment #4 ) .
I
1
Mr. Don Ashworth
July 21, 1988
Page 2 I
ANALYSIS
The northerly alignment may have served Chanhassen better in that '
the majority of our population is in the northern part of the
community and could use park and ride locations along the corri-
dor immediately north in Shorewood or Excelsior. Selection of
the south alignment makes service for Chanhassen residents not as
accessible in view of the fact that the south alignment will
essentially serve as a commuter route from Chaska to points in
Eden Prairie and the central cities .
As to future locations for light rail transit stations, a more
detailed study will occur when the line is activated into Eden
Prairie, Chanhassen and Chaska.
As to impact on residences in the area, the location of the
railroad is such that it is located at the bottom of the bluff
below the Hesse Farms subdivision and Vogelsburg Trail and the
Lakota Lane neighborhoods. The trains will run at approximately
55 m.p.h. on an exclusive right-of-way such as the rail line
through Chanhassen. A single car measures approximately 90 feet
in length and a maximum length of three car trains would be pro-
posed.
Hours of operation would be from 5 : 30 a.m. to 1 :30 a.m.
The technology of light rail transit has progressed to the point
that noise from these vehicles are similar to those generated by
automobiles . I
It should be noted that the proposed Stage 1 Light Rail Plan pro-
posed by Hennepin County is a 20-year plan. Extension into
Chanhassen and beyond would not occur until after the
Stage l Plan which is to be implemented over the next 8 year
period. Significant issues still remain on the horizon for
Hennepin County, primarily funding and an operator of the transit
system.
As to intersections with major highways such as Highway 5 , upon
consultation with MnDOT, it is proposed that an at grade crossing
would be maintained at Highway 5 . MnDOT would not puruse a
railroad overpass for the LRT until TH 212 construction. The
timing on LRT construction would not conflict with the widening
of TH 5 .
SUMMARY
Given Hennepin County' s adoption of its Light Rail Transit Plan
and the adoption of the southerly route for light rail transit to
serve the southwest area, it would be appropriate for Carver
County to pursue acquisition of this railroad right-of-way in
order to be consistent with Hennepin County' s planning and to
provide a future service for Chanhassen citizens . Although not
as convenient as the originally considered north route, addi-
tional study can be conducted to analyze potential location of a
r
1
Mr. Don Ashworth
July 21, 1988
' Page 3
station along the route in Chanhassen or in cooperation with
Chaska. If successful, LRT will be an important regional
transportation mode. Acquisition of the right-of-way should be
pursued.
ATTACHMENTS
' 1 . Memo from Barbara Dacy dated January 7 , 1988 .
2 . Southwest route alignment alternatives .
3 . Memo from Roger Gustafson dated July 6 , 1988 .
4 . Ridership potential statistics .
5 . City Council minutes dated January 11 , 1988 .
6 . Comprehensive LRT System Plan for Hennepin Co. dated June 21,
1988 .
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CITY OF
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3T} 690 COULTER DRIVE • P.O. BOX 147 • CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA 55317
(612) 937-1900 II
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MEMORANDUM ;;s,,_ .1-.7:. II
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TO: Don Ashworth, City Manager ,, _ y
FROM: Barbara Dacy, City Planner 4 1`-tllr _��
II
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DATE: January 7 , 1988
SUBJ: Light Rail Transit II
Council members may have seen the numerous amount of articles II
regarding Hennepin County' s Light Rail Transit planning process .
Council members may also wonder why Chanhassen was not directly
involved in the study process when one of the routes passes II through southern Chanhassen. This is to summarize the history,
process, and status of this project to date. Attached are
various articles and information sheets regarding LRT. It may be
useful to retain these documents for future reference.
II
HISTORY
Hennepin County received authorization from the State Legislature 1
to prepare a Comprehensive LRT System Plan for Hennepin County in
1987 . The County, primarily under the leadership of Commissioner
John Derus , previously established a commitment to implement
I
light rail transit in the County in 1980 . That commitment was
solidified by establishment of the County Board as the Hennepin
County Regional Railroad Authority and by the acquisition of the
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railroad right-of-way from downtown Minneapolis to Victoria.
The County strongly believes in LRT as another viable mode of
transit, supplementing existing bus service. LRT is a recom-
mended mode of transit by the Metropolitan Council versus auto-
mated guideways (people movers) , or heavy rail transit.
With the 1987 legislative mandate to do comprehensive planning
II
for LRT in Hennepin County, the County established a citizen par-
ticipation process to begin the plan process . The following
questions were used to guide decision making: 1
- Where should LRT be constructed?
- How much will construction and operation of LRT cost? 1
- How will the cost of LRT construction and the cost of LRT
operation be paid?
- Who should operate the LRT system?
II
II
Mr. Don Ashworth
II C January 7 , 1988
Page 2
,
' PROCESS
Eight advisory committees were established to answer the above
' questions: five corridor advisory committees, a technical advi-
sory committee, a land use committee, and a intergovernmental
committee.
' The Southwest Corridor Advisory Committee was responsible for
analyzing route alignments from Minneapolis west. The legislature
authorized Hennepin County to do comprehensive planning within
' the County limits only. Although a portion of Chanhassen is
within the County, the City was not formally notified to partic-
pate on the corridor advisory committee. Upon asking Hennepin
' County Staff about this , it was admitted that the lack of a for-
mal invitation was an oversight. ( Ironically, Chaska was invited
and appointed representatives, but no one attended the meetings . )
' The process can be summarzied as follows:
1 . Corridor Advisory Committees are to complete their study and
' make recommendations in February, 1988 .
2 . The Finance Advisory Committee will evaluate potential reve-
l ( nue sources and provide recommendations as to how the system
should be funded.
3 . The Intergovernmental Advisory Committee will review the
' Corridor Committee recommendations and make system plan
recommendations to the Hennepin County Board.
' 4 . The Metropolitan Council will submit a "process plan" to the
legislature providing recommendations as to coordinating
Hennepin County' s LRT planning with Ramsey County and all other
' counties in January, 1988 .
5 . The Hennepin County Board will consider the Comprehensive Plan
for LRT in March, 1988 , including decisions as to how the
' system is to be funded, operated and maintained. First phase
construction plans may also be considered.
STATUS
I attended the public hearing conducted by the Southwest Corridor
' Advisory Committee on December 14 , 1987 . The Southwest Corridor
Advisory Committee evaluated two route alignments ( see Attachment
#2) . The committee recommended the north alignment to be imple-
mented but also recommended that the south alignment be con-
sidered as soon as possible at least up to the Baker Road/I-494
area. The committee also reviewed station locations and recom-
mended elimination of 4-7 and 9 . Stations 16-20 were recommended
' to be evaluated in the comprehensive plan inventory.
l
II
Mr. Don Ashworth
January 7 , 1988 I
Page 3
The primary reasons for their recommendation were as follows : I
1 . Ridership potential was greater along the north alignment at
this point in time. However, as Chanhassen and Eden Prairie II continue to grow, the committee felt that the south alignment
should be implemented as soon as possible. In fact, they
recommended construction of the south alignment to Baker
Road/I-494 along with the north alignment. I
2 . TH HCRRA currently owns the railroad right-of-way for the
north alignment. I
3 . The north alignment, with Excelsior as a major "stop" , will
provide a means for "recreational" trips to Big Lake and II other attractions . Excelsior is also considering a 165 room
hotel and recreational facility at the old Mai Tai site.
4 . The north alignment travels through downtown Hopkins and II would help its redevelopment efforts.
5 . The north alignment is close to major population centers and
II
bus service could be revised to supplement LRT in the area.
Although unrepresented in the process , committee members like II Mike Krause supplied the committee with Chanhassen information.
(Beverly Miller from the SW Metro Transit Service was also on the
committee as an Eden Prairie representative. ) The north align-
ment will serve Chanhassen the most as a majority of our popula-
tion is north of TH 5 . The south alignment travels along the
bluff area on the southern edge of Hesse Farms . At this point,
the southern alignment is seen as a "commuting" route from Chaska II to major centers in Eden Prairie, and eventually to downtown.
ISSUES
Confusing at this point, however, is the process to coordinate II
Hennepin County' s efforts with other county plans . Hopefully,
the process plan which the Metropolitan Council is to devise will II
address that issue. Up to this time, concern has been raised
about the level of input from the regional planning agencies and
whether or not regional issues are being evaluated adequately.
II
Funding sources for start up costs and operation and maintenance
is another unresolved concern. The counties are currently
approaching this issue by stating their commitment to assume
II
right-of-way acquisition costs and initial capital costs .
However, operation and maintenance may shift to the RTB or MTC.
Hennepin County is currently developing a funding philosophy of
II
three parts: property tax sources (County Board will assess . 75
mills this year) ; transportation fees (MVET, motor vehicle
registration feets, etc. ) ; and user charges . Although labeled as II a Hennepin County project, LRT will eventually affect all of us
—
Mr. Don Ashworth
I January 7 , 1988
Page 4
in the region. Looming larger is the concern that LRT will cora-
1 pete for highway dollars which might jeopardize long scheduled
improvements such as TH 212 .
' SUMMARY
There is no question that LRT is a positive step toward building
an effective and efficient transportation system given the rising
threat of pollution, the rising cost of highway improvements , and
the decreasing level of accessibility in the region. Other
metropolitan areas in the nation have initiated similar systems .
' It appears that LRT can work in the Twin Cities, however, a
number of questions remain unanswered.
' ATTACHMENTS
1 . Hennepin County LRT, February, 1987 .
' 2 . SW Route Alignment Alternative.
3 . LRT Year 2010 Patronage Forecast.
4 . Newspaper article on December 14 , 1987 , public hearing.
5 . LRT Newsline dated December 18 , 1987 .
6 . Newspaper article on Met Council input.
7 . LRT brochure.
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•: 11i CARVER COUNTY COURTHOUSE
�\ 'I 600 EAST 4TH STREET
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT / CHASKA,MINNESOTA 55318
(612) 448-3435 �1 ��
j4'NESO
COUNTY Of CAQVEQ
July 6 , 1988
To: Al Klingelhutz, District 1 Commissioner '
Tracy Swanson , District 4 Commission
From: Roger Gustafson, County Engineer
Subject: Chicago and Northwestern Railroad -
Hopkins to Chaska Line
I have recently been informed that the availability for purchase ,
of the Hopkins to Chaska line of the CNW Railroad is quite prob-
able during the latter part of this year.
It is my understanding that Hennepin County continues to have in-
terest in the acquisition of this railroad corridor for transpor-
tation purposes. Knowing the interests of Chanhassen, Chaska,
and the Carver County Regional Rail Authority in the portion of
this rail line located within Carver County may be of importance
to Hennepin County in the near future . Negotiations for this
purchase may commence within the next few weeks.
As discussed at the Carver County Regional Rail Authority (CCRRA)
on July 5th, the subject of purchasing this railroad corridor in
Carver County may have to be addressed by the CCRRA sooner than
anticipated . The perspectives of Chaska and Chanhassen regarding
this possible purchase would be of benefit. These perspectives
would permit the CCRRA a better opportunity to be prepared to
respond to inquiries from the involved railroad companies, Hen-
nepin County , and the Minnesota Department of Transportation
regarding interest and participation in the acquisition. '
It is my understanding from the July 5th CCRRA meeting that each
of you will be discussing the availability of this railroad cor-
ridor with the respective communities you represent. If I can be
of assistance in providing information for these discussions ,
please contact me at your convenience. '
RG/cr
cc: Earl Gnan , CCRRA Chairman ,
Dick Stolz , County Administrator
Affirmative Action,Equal Opportunity Employer
1 1 '1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 E 1 1 1
emN
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Hennepin County Comprehensive LRT System Plan
SOUTHWEST SUBURBAN CORRIDOR
•
LRT YEAR 2010 PATRONAGE FORECAST
West Subalternative HCRRA Alignment 29th Street Alignment
North (Victoria) 17,400 24,800
South (Chaska) 17,800 25,200
Source: Metropolitan Council , November 1987
1 A
1 Z14
City Council Meeting - January 11, 1988
we're talking about is designating the no shooting zones that are already
designated as no hunting zones. '
Don Ashworth: Right, that will be on the 25th. It's solely a sematic issue.
A definition problem and Roger can have that prepared for the 25th.
ADMINSTRATIVE PRESENTATIONS:
a. Enforcement Action Plan.
b. Light Rail Transit.
c. Highway 5 Upgrade, Private/Public Partnerships.
d. League of Minnesota Cities 1988 Legislative Conference.
Barbara Dacy: On item a, there will be more information coming back to the
council on the agenda and there's a brief memo in the Admin Section... Item
b, that was brought to your attention to follow up on that whole Light Rail
Transit process. I had the County Commissioner explain it and any of the
Council who have specific questions about the memorandum or about the
process...
Councilman Johnson: Mine goes almost more to Al in that the southern route
primarily- goes through the city of Chanhassen for a large portion of the route
and I see that the County Commissioners have named themselves as the Carver
County Rail Authority for acquiring that land.
Al Klingelhutz: I guess that's one of the reasons, I saw this on the agenda
for tonight and I did want to talk about it a little bit. We are preparing at
this time to acquire that right-of-way through Chanhassen into Chaska. We
feel that it's a very good corridor. Especially for Chaska and southern
Chanhassen to utilize for Light Rail Transit. ...to acquire land all the way
out to Norwood that would make an excellent two land addition to TH 5. It
lays side by side all the way out and it just would be something that if we
present it to the State at this time and say, we've got the corridor for you
to put in four lanes all the way to Norwood.
Councilman Johnson: I'm wondering if there's any possibility of getting some
Chanhassen representation on the Rail Authority.
Councilman Geving: Right there. '
Al Klingelhutz: If the thing ever materializes, we will set up a committee of
people in the areas that it affects the most and I think that's pretty
important. One other thing, the Excelsior/Victoria line will probably be
first along that to be reserved. That does not affect Chanhassen. I think
it's most important to designate these lines as future rapid transit because I
understand we've been getting a lot of feedback right now protesting the new
rapid transit line on that corridor.
Councilman Geving: Someone apparently has attended some of these meetings.
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IICity Council Meeting - January 11, 1988
Barbara Dacy: I just attended one and that was on December 14th and that was
' a public hearing conducted by the Southwest Advisory Committee.
Councilman Geving: I guess what I'd like to see if that you continue to do
that.
Mayor Hamilton: Or that we ask someone on the Council or Planning Commission
' so if you can't make it or Jo Ann.
Barbara Dacy: Mike Krause was on the Southwest Advisory Committee process.
' They're process has now concluded. Now the remaining corridor committees of
the other 6 or 7 corridors are still finishing up and with there's another
finance committee... It's just a matter of finishing up the process and the
Board will make a decision near the end of March.
Mayor Hamilton: Next item, Highway 5.
Councilman Horn: I think Barb put a fairly complete statement of where we
are. Al mentioned one of the meetings that's coming up. What's happening
here and thought we should talk about as a Council, is that we're furthering
our process with the city contributing to try and make things happen. What
' we're trying to do is accelerate the schedule for widening TH 5 to move it out
to TH 41 before 1991. In fact, 1990 and we think there are ways that can be
done. The meeting that Al was talking about is to work with the private
sector to raise some funds to contribute to this. What we, as a Council need
' to address is we're going to be looking at the public contribution to this
effort also. I would think that our contribution would be arranged as Barb
described here and I'll get more detailed on that. In fact there's another
' coalition meeting on Wednesday. What I would like to get this evening is some
type of consensus on going along with this concept. I feel that we are
finally making some progress on this issue and as a matter of fact, we do have
' a meeting schedule with Governor Perpich on February 2nd. It's the first time
he's agreed to talk with the Coalition. That's something we've been working
on for a number of months now and it's finally happened, which in my mind is
' just another small indication that we as a coalition are beginning to be heard
and make some effort in this thing. Which in my mind helps me justify
spending some of our money to try to include the progress of TH 5. It's
something that's frustrating because you can't clearly see that our efforts
' will be rewarded. On the other hand, I'm totally convinced that if we don't
do something like this, we're absolutely guaranteeing ourselves that nothing
will happen.
Councilman Johnson: I think this, I almost want to use bribery or whatever,
this payment we're looking to make to MnDot, is a fairly new thing and will
' work at this point in time. Five years from now, this will be so commonplace
that you're going to be required to pitch in to be on the regular schedule
instead of on the accelerated schedule, so I'm for doing it at this time. I
think we're on the leading edge of something that I think is not real good
precedent in the first place but it will be to the benefit of our citizens.
TH 5 has to have something done to it.
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City Council Meeting - January 11, 1988
Councilman Geving: Clark, you mentioned TH 41. This is the first time I've
heard anyone say anything beyond CR 17. Were you correct in your statement? '
Councilman Horn: That's what we're shooting for.
Mayor Hamilton: Then the League of Minnesota Cities 1988 Legislative
Conference. If anybody is interested in going, I'm sure the staff would like
to know so we can make reservations. Anybody is welcome to go to the
conference if you wish. What we've done in past years, which we didn't do
last year, there is a cocktail party after the day's sessions are over, there
is a cocktail party at one of the hotels and we have usually gone. The
legislators do show up but sometimes during that time you have opportunities
to discuss any issue you want with your legislator and meeting other people
from other communities if you wish to talk to them about what's happening.
Then we have with other communities in our legislative district, taken
legislators out for dinner so we could on a more serious basis and more
personal basis talk to them more one on one or ten on one. If that's
something the Council is interested in attempting to do again this year, I
think it's a good idea. The legislators like it. They do like to get to know
who's on the Council and get to meet you personally and find out a little bit
more about each one of us and it's good to find out more about them. From my
standpoint I am in favor of attempting to do that again this year. Don, if we
can put together with the other communities, if they're interested in joining
us, or if they're not, we'll do it on our own. I
Councilman Geving: I think there was some confusion last year Tom. We didn't
get together with the people we thought we were going to.
Councilman Horn: I think what happen is that Shakopee was involved last year.
Typically they're the ones who have strong supporters along with us.. .
Mayor Hamilton: They have three new council people this year so they may be
wanting to do something. I have just two brief announcements to tell you
about. You received a letter from Roger, actually from Tim Berg but from
Roger's firm, about what's happening downtown. I would suggest that if you
have any questions about things that are taking place, that you talk to Roger.
These are all things that have been approved but if you have any questions
about the process that's going on, grab Roger and find out what's happening.
Then on a personal basis, just so you can all sleep easier from now on, I want
you to know that I no longer am affiliated with Brad Johnson or Lotus or
CHADDA or Bloomberg or anybody else having to do with that whole thing. I'm
with Realty World/Streeter Andrus. They have nothing to do with the downtown.
Councilman Geving moved, Councilman Horn seconded to adjourn the meeting. All
voted in favor and motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 10:05 p.m..
Submitted by Don Ashworth
City Manager
Prepared by Nann Opheim
42