With a roundabout slated for construction in downtown Forest Lake at Broadway and Lake Street next summer, parking concerns have emerged. David Verness, a former planning commission member, stepped forward with an idea last week that has yet to be explored. With Washington County now planning to construct a bridge over Broadway to serve the Hardwood Creek Trail, Verness told the Forest Lake City Council on Dec. 27 that 15 or so parking spaces could be provided under the bridge on the north and south side of Broadway. Verness offered his idea during a special meeting. Council agreed that the idea merited consideration and would be put in the planning mix for the roundabout project. Verness said he offered the suggestion to the city council after county engineers confirmed to him they would recommend a bridge over Broadway and not opt for a tunnel under the county road.

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