There was a light meal and then serious discussion about possible changes to the Highway 61 corridor through Grand Marais. About 60 community members gathered for the latest Highway 61 redesign meeting.
After two public meetings and over 100 comments from community members, first concept designs for the Highway 61 corridor through Grand Marais were presented to a group of over 60 interested community members at Bethlehem Lutheran Church on Tuesday, Oct. 28.
City Administrator Mike Roth welcomed attendees and introduced the design team that has been working with the city, Mike Fisher of LHB and CJ Fernandez and Jason Aune of aune fernandez landscape architects.
The consultants gave an overview of the area in question—one mile of Highway 61through Grand Marais. From the comments received, the team identified five issues that should be addressed in a Highway 61 redesign: 1.) Lack of enclosure – vertical, 2.) Lack of definition – horizontal, 3.) Storm water deficiencies, 4.) Roadway too wide and 5.) Pedestrian infrastructure missing in key locations.
During the presentation both Mike Fisher and C.J. Fernandez spoke of the “village character” of Grand Marais. Fernandez added that the village character is part of the process. He said, “When we design a road, yes, we start at the centerline and work our way out. But a roadway is so much more than that.”
Around the room, on walls and on tables, were 12-foot-long drawings of the highway corridor in its existing condition and with changes proposed in two concept plans. After the presentation, attendees looked over the maps and shared comments, questions, and conversation.
If you have been unable to attend a public meeting but would like to learn more, or would like to give comments, you can do so online at www.becausemovingmatters.org/highway61.
The design team would like to hear your opinion on what would work best for the city of Grand Marais. They would like to hear if you have concerns regarding the plan. Comments will be accepted until November 20.
The final public design meeting will be held in January.
Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact Mike Roth, City Administrator, at 218-387- 1848 or cityhall@boreal.org.
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