Vocal Opposition, Questions on Joshua Ave. Connector

Posted at: 10/22/2012 10:49 PM | Updated at: 10/22/2012 10:51 PM
By: Dayna Landgrebe

nullProgress on an-ongoing Duluth street extension project has been tabled again.

On Monday night, the Duluth City Council tabled a resolution for a design request for the Duluth Heights connector along Joshua Avenue. The route would connect the Miller Hill Mall area to east Duluth via Maple Grove Road to Arrowhead Road along Joshua Avenue.

But during Monday's meeting, a handful of residents spoke against, or at the very least, had strong questions for, the project. Many, like Duluth resident Linda Booker, talked about a feeling of being left without an option should the project come through.

"I agree that this road should not be put in, and I don't think that we should be put in limbo. And like I said, I've already contacted and she won't even call me back," Booker said at the podium. Other residents were concerned about possible or no compensation, decreased property values, and hundreds of cars passing close to their homes everyday.

"The impact of the Duluth Heights neighborhood will be devastating and forever changed, but not for the better of its residents," said resident Andy Brunette.

In August, the fourth option for the project was presented. It's one that the Duluth Heights Task Force prefers, but not all agree it's the best option.

At that time, the city said the route would minimize the impact to area wetlands, divert traffic from Ideal Street and bring it to more cul-de-sacs in on Joshua Avenue.

The city will continue their discussion of the connector route at their next regular meeting.

Other Council News

Also at Monday's meeting, the city council unanimously approved the appointments of its new citizen review board members. The council had tabled their approval at its last meeting in order to better understand who Mayor Don Ness had selected.

The council was able to meet with the candidates prior to Monday's meeting. The focus of the board is to improve relationships, communition and understanding with the Duluth Police Department.

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