Following the January 9th Highway 61 design meeting, discussion of the day’s events was added to the city council agenda. Councilor Tim Kennedy opened the conversation by recommending that the council accept the designs as presented.
From a design standpoint, the 1,000-page design document has been a well-scrutinized work over the past five years and the next step is to pass it along to MnDOT. Everyone was given an opportunity to weigh in, with unanimous agreement that the amenities and design choices are beautiful. No one contests that the changes will enhance an already visually aesthetic Grand Marais.
Design aside, it was evident from the discussion amongst the council that concerns remain from business owners on the corridor. The major complaint is a serious lack of communication from MnDOT. According to Councilor Craig Schulte, most affected are skeptical about the complete timeline for when the project will unfold. Many are still awaiting appraisals promised from MnDOT weeks ago.
In addition to questioning just how much property area businesses will lose due to the project, the lack of parking for semis delivering product is of concern. Another hot button topic for local business owners is the simple fact of a six-week road closure during one of the short windows of time they can afford to stay open. The projected start date of May is setting up area businesses for severe economic hardship.
It is evident that MnDOT intends to push the project through and the council agrees that as the voice of the community, they may need to insist on better communication between MnDOT and affected business owners. According to Kennedy, “MnDOT is going forward with the bid, so the city needs to be on the same page so that we can still interject in this process from start to finish. It is important so we can help support local businesses.”
An idea was proposed that a letter may need to come from the city to MnDOT, emphasizing the need for updating affected business owners in a timely manner regarding property loss, appraisals, project timelines and clarification of just how close the construction will come to their front doors.
While it is rumored that downtown won’t be affected until 2020, it would help ease the minds of those directly affected if MnDOT would step up the communication with them. Doing so would relieve nerves and allow business owners to strategize ways to minimize economic loss during peak tourist season.
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