Cliff Buchan
News Editor

Preliminary designs for the W. Broadway project in Forest Lake will have an impact on Lake Street in the cityís downtown.

The Economic Development Authority board reviewed preliminary plans for Broadway on Monday and learned that the impact of the work from Lake Street (US-61) to SW 19th St. west of I-35 will not be limited to Broadway.

EDA Executive Director Chip Robinson told the EDA that parking spaces on Lake Street north and south of Broadway will be lost because of a two-lane traffic pattern for northbound and southbound traffic on Lake St. The new traffic flow will be necessary because of the roundabout intersection design planned for Lake and Broadway.

For northbound traffic, Robinson said that would mean US-61 on-street parking would be eliminated north to the Franklin Building. A one block section from Broadway south on S. Lake St. would also be off limits to on-street parking come 2008.

The project is now entering its final design stage with Washington County planners leading that effort for CR-2 in Forest Lake.

Robinson told the EDA board that it now appears the commercial property on the northwest and southwest corners of Lake and Broadway will be impacted by the roundabout design. The extent of the impact to the properties is not yet known, he said.

Robinson said there would be no impact to Park Place on the northeast corner of Lake and Broadway.

The EDA and city council can expect another Broadway report in two months, he said.

Project costs

Robinson also reported Monday that the Broadway project now carries a $15 million estimate which includes all construction, infrastructure and right of way acquisition. The city will be obligated to 25 percent of the project cost.

He said the city has stockpiled $600,000 municipal state aid dollars and should receive an additional $640,000 in gas tax revenue in 2007 which could be used for the city share of the cost during construction in 2008.

Robinson said the city is also exploring the possibility of tapping tax-increment financing funds for the project. The city is also seeking additional federal grants.

EDA Engineer Paul Hornby, acting on a recommendation from Mayor and EDA President Terry Smith, said Xcel Energy will provide a quote for the cost of placing all power lines underground to improve the look of the overall project. The cost is not part of current project estimates.

Smith said Monday it was important to address the beautification matters. He said his vision for the new Broadway was much like a scenic parkway. Smith said the center median could be designed with trees and plantings that would give the street a new look.

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Forest Lake Times
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