2024.07.16 Work Session Packet
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Posted: July 12, 2024
City Council Work Session Agenda
Tuesday, July 16, 2024
6:15 p.m.
Council Chambers/Zoom
Pursuant to due call and notice given in the manner prescribed by Section 3.01 of the City Charter,
the work session of the Crystal City Council was held on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at ______ p.m. in
the Council Chambers at City Hall, 4141 Douglas Dr. N., Crystal, MN and via Zoom. If the agenda
items are not completed in time for the City Council meeting at 7 p.m., the work session will be
continued and resumed immediately following the Economic Development Authority meeting. The
public may attend the meeting via Zoom by connecting to it through one of the methods identified
on the City Council Meeting Schedule for Tuesday, July 16, 2024.
I. Attendance
Council members Staff
____ Onesirosan ____ Bell
____ Adams ____ Tierney
____ Budziszewski ____ Therres
____ Cummings ____ Elholm
____ Eidbo ____ Larson
____ Kamish ____ Revering
____ Kiser ____ Hubbard
____ Struve
____ Sutter
II. Agenda
The purpose of the work session is to discuss the following agenda items:
1. Blue Line Extension update.
2. City Council liaison reports.*
3. City manager monthly check-in.
4. Constituent issues.*
5. New business.*
6. Announcements.*
III. Adjournment
The work session adjourned at ______ p.m.
* Denotes no documentation included in the packet.
Auxiliary aids are available upon request to individuals with disabilities by calling the city clerk at
(763) 531-1145 at least 96 hours in advance. TTY users may call Minnesota Relay at 711 or 1-800-627-3529.
___________________________________________________________________________
FROM: John Sutter, Community Development Director
DATE: July 11, 2024
TO: Adam R. Bell, City Manager (for July 16 work session)
SUBJECT: Blue Line Extension Update
___________________________________________________________________________
Staff requests Council discussion regarding the following:
1. West Broadway jurisdictional transfer
After formally raising the issue in March 2023, Hennepin County finally responded on
July 2, 2024. (Letter attached.)
Unfortunately their response is nowhere near a commitment to reconstruct (or pay the
cities to reconstruct) which is what the City Council identified as a critical issue in March
2023. After sixteen months, their response still adheres to their standard policy of only
paying for a mill & overlay when doing a jurisdictional transfer.
Staff has placed the attached letter on the consent agenda and is seeking Council
approval and individual Councilmembers’ signature. Alternatively the Council may move
it to the regular agenda for additional discussion or modification of the letter.
2. Anticipated changes to Municipal Consent plans
The Municipal Consent plans shown at the January 11, 2024 work session and March
7, 2024 community meeting will likely be modified as follows:
a) The most recent plans showed the Airport Road access being replaced with a slip
ramp exit-only from northbound Bottineau Blvd to Lakeland Avenue. This idea has
been dropped. Instead, a slightly modified version of the existing Airport Road
access will be shown.
b) The park and ride lot will be slightly smaller and reconfigured to provide a more
efficient layout, internal cul-de-sac, and spaces for a Traction Power Sub Station and
other LRT equipment.
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Blue Line Extension Update
c) The most recent plans showed the middle lane on southbound Bottineau Blvd.
becoming a “choice lane” so that vehicles can choose to either stay on Bottineau or
exit to go south on Highway 100. MnDOT has rejected this concept so the plans will
show only the right lane being able to exit to Highway 100.
The plans are attached with notes regarding these changes which are expected to
appear on the Municipal Consent plans we will receive in approximately two weeks.
The anticipated Crystal public hearing date is August 20, followed by Council discussion
of a possible municipal consent resolution on September 3 and action on September
17.
3. Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement
Staff is reviewing the SDEIS and will present possible city comments for Council
discussion at the July 16 work session.
The SEIS can be found at https://metrocouncil.org/Transportation/Projects/Light-Rail-
Projects/METRO-Blue-Line-Extension/Environmental/Supplemental-Draft-EIS.aspx.
4. Network Now
While not directly related to the Blue Line project, Metro Transit prepared the attached
informational slides about their regional findings related to existing bus service. They
will not be presenting on July 16 but they intend to have proposed service changes to
present to the City Council sometime this fall.
Hennepin County Public Works
1600 Prairie Drive, Medina, MN 55340
612-596-0300 | hennepin.us
July 2, 2024
Jesse Struve, P.E.
City of Crystal, Director of Public Works
4141 Douglas Drive N
Crystal, MN 55422
Richard McCoy, P.E.
City of Robbinsdale, Public Works Director/City Engineer
4601 Toledo Avenue N
Robbinsdale, MN 55422
Re: Jurisdictional Transfer of West Broadway Avenue (CSAH 8) Mr. Struve and Mr. McCoy: The jurisdictional transfer of West Broadway Avenue (CSAH 8) between Douglas Drive (CSAH 102) and 42nd Avenue (CSAH 9) has been identified as a high priority by the cities of Crystal and Robbinsdale and is identified as a jurisdictional transfer candidate in the county’s Comprehensive Plan. This letter documents the process for a future jurisdictional transfer of West Broadway from the county to the cities, within their respective boundaries. County Road transfers are evaluated based on the county’s Jurisdictional Transfer Policy, which includes the requirements, justification, and conditions of the transfer. The policy ensures that a transferred roadway provides a 15-year service life with adequate time for the accepting agency to plan, fund, and ultimately reconstruct the road per its standards, specifications, and vision.
The cities have stated that they anticipate the need for full reconstruction along the corridor and
are requesting county cost participation to reconstruct West Broadway. This corridor is not
currently identified for roadway reconstruction in the county’s approved 5-year Capital
Improvement Program (CIP). However, county staff will be completing our biennial data driven
prioritization process, which ensures we are addressing our most critical system needs, later this
year. This prioritization process will identify new capital projects that will be requested into the
next Transportation CIP and Work Plan.
The cities preference is to accept West Broadway following the completion of the Blue Line
Extension Light Rail Transit (LRT) project along CSAH 81, anticipated to be completed in 2032.
Therefore, the county will evaluate the condition of West Broadway following the construction of
the LRT project to determine the 15-year service life cost, consistent with the county’s Jurisdictional Transfer Policy.
We look forward to working with the cities on a future transfer of this roadway in alignment with our current policy. Sincerely, Carla Stueve, P.E.
Transportation Project Delivery Director and County Engineer
Cc: Lisa Cerney, Assistant County Administrator Public Works Dan Soler, Transit and Mobility Director Chad Ellos, Transportation Planning Division Manager
Page 1 of 3
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
July 16, 2024
Charlie Zelle
Chair
Metropolitan Council
390 Robert St N
St Paul MN 55101
Subject: West Broadway Jurisdictional Transfer - METRO Blue Line Extension
Dear Mr. Zelle:
On March 7, 2023, the Crystal City Council unanimously approved a letter to the Corridor Management
Committee (CMC) regarding the proposed METRO Blue Line Extension (“the project”). The letter
described several issues related to the project including the traffic impacts from the proposed lane
reduction on Bottineau Blvd. (CSAH 81) and the poor condition of the parallel reliever route, West
Broadway (CSAH 8) in Robbinsdale and Crystal between 42nd Ave. N. (CSAH 9) and Douglas Dr. N. (CSAH
102).
Specifically, approximately 3,300 feet (0.64 mile) of West Broadway between Highway 100 in
Robbinsdale and Fairview Avenue in Crystal is essentially the same rural road it was 80 years ago. It
currently lacks storm sewer, stormwater treatment, curb & gutter or any sidewalk or multi-use path for
non-motorized travel. In addition to the property taxes, sales taxes, wheelage fees and so forth levied
on Crystal residents and businesses, Hennepin County has for decades received funds from the state
based on the condition of this segment of West Broadway but has not made the investment to
reconstruct the road.
Staff from Hennepin County Public Works, Robbinsdale, and Crystal met on May 11, 2023 to discuss a
jurisdictional transfer of West Broadway from Hennepin County to the cities. Staff discussed the
roadway condition, traffic diversion from Bottineau Blvd. due to the METRO Blue Line Extension
project and the longstanding desire and policy goal of all parties for this jurisdictional transfer to occur.
This could be accomplished either by the county reconstructing the old rural section of West Broadway
prior to the transfer, or making a binding financial commitment with the cities to have them
reconstruct it after the transfer.
Page 2 of 3
At this May 11, 2023 meeting, the cities of Crystal and Robbinsdale requested that the county provide
a cost estimate for reconstruction and a jurisdictional transfer proposal to the cities. Despite repeated
requests and reminders, the county did not provide a response until July 2, 2024. That response merely
expresses an intent for further study and is not remotely close to the commitment for reconstruction
requested by the city in the March 2023 letter.
The Crystal City Council finds that there is a direct nexus between the Blue Line Extension’s proposed
reduction of lanes on Bottineau Blvd. and the need for West Broadway, as the parallel reliever route to
Bottineau Blvd., to be a safe and fully functional urban street going forward.
The Crystal City Council notes that Crystal contributed $2.9 million of city funds towards right-of-way
acquisitions for the reconstruction and widening of Bottineau Blvd. to 6 lanes approx. 10-15 years ago.
Had Bottineau Blvd. not been widened to 6 lanes, then Hennepin County or the METRO Blue Line
Extension would now need to purchase that right-of-way for the light rail project at property values
that are at least double what they were 10-15 years ago. In effect, the City of Crystal paid for light rail
right-of-way. To our knowledge, this is without precedent in previous Metro Transit light rail projects.
The Crystal City Council also notes that Hennepin County and Metro Transit have committed to
reconstruct West Broadway in Minneapolis from James to Lyndale Avenues even though the light rail
will run on 21st Avenue and those eight blocks of West Broadway are already an urban street with
modern facilities. This disparity between how Hennepin County and Metro Transit respond to the
concerns of Minneapolis and how they respond to the concerns of Crystal (and Robbinsdale) is not
encouraging.
In approximately two months the Crystal City Council will be asked to vote on a municipal consent
resolution for the project. While all members support improved public transit service in the city, the
lack of progress on a critical issue we raised sixteen months ago is beyond disappointing. The city will
be exploring all of its options in the coming weeks. This letter is written in the hope that this critical
issue can still be resolved before the Crystal City Council takes a vote on municipal consent.
Please feel free to contact City Manager Adam Bell at 763.531.1140 or adam.bell@crystalmn.gov with
any questions.
Sincerely yours,
The Members of the Crystal City Council
____________________________________
Jim Adams
Mayor
Page 3 of 3
____________________________________ ____________________________________
Taji Onesirosan Forest Eidbo
Council Member, Section 1 Council Member, Section 2
____________________________________ ____________________________________
Therese Kiser John Budziszewski
Council Member, Ward 1 Council Member, Ward 3
____________________________________ ____________________________________
Traci Kamish David Cummings
Council Member, Ward 2 Council Member, Ward 4
cc: Commissioner Jeff Lunde, Hennepin County Board, District 1
Council Member Anjuli Cameron, Metropolitan Council, District 8
Corridor Management Committee, METRO Blue Line Extension
Nancy Daubenberger, Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Transportation
Senator Ann Rest, Minnesota Senate, District 43
Representative Cedric Frazier, Minnesota House of Representatives, District 43A
Representative Mike Freiberg, Minnesota House of Representatives, District 43B
Robbinsdale City Council
34
Municipal Consent
35
What is Municipal Consent?
•State process that requires local approval of
physical design components of the preliminary
design plans (Minnesota Statutes Sec. 473.3994)
•Hennepin County and corridor cities vote to
approve the physical design of the LRT facilities
coordinated to-date, including location, length,
termini of routes, general dimensions, and
approximate station locations
•One step in the design coordination process, not
the end of the process
36
Municipal Consent Outcomes
The municipal consent period is expected to be from Aug to October 2024
Vote
What it means
Outcome
Approve
The physical LRT design elements are consistent acceptable to the City/County
Consent
No Action
Approval vote by default
Consent
Disapprove
City/County must provide specific plan amendments required to gain consent
Amendments are considered and addressed by the Council, followed by Consent
•Hennepin County and each city along the line vote to approve preliminary design plans
37
Municipal Consent Timeline
METRO BLUE LINE EXTENSION
CITY OF CRYSTAL
CRYSTAL AIRPORT
March 2024
This slip ramp to Lakeland is no longer proposed. Instead,
Airport Road access will be similar to existing.
METRO BLUE LINE EXTENSION
CITY OF CRYSTAL
BASS LAKE ROAD STATION
March 2024
This slip ramp to Lakeland is no longer proposed. Instead,
Airport Road access will be similar to existing.
The park and ride will be slightly smaller for a
more efficient layout, internal cul-de-sac, and
space for TPSS and other LRT equipment.
METRO BLUE LINE EXTENSION
CITY OF CRYSTAL
WILSHIRE BLVD TO 51ST AVE N
March 2024
METRO BLUE LINE EXTENSION
CITY OF CRYSTAL
51ST AVE N TO HWY 100
March 2024
MnDOT has rejected the choice lane
concept, so this configuration will be
more like the existing condition (only the
right lane can go to Hwy 100).
3
BROOKLYN PARK | CRYSTAL | ROBBINSDALE | MINNEAPOLIS
SDEIS Overview
4
Agenda
Project History
Build Alternative
Findings of the SDEIS
Environmental Justice (EJ)
Comment Period/Next Steps
1
2
3
4
5
5
Project History
6
Project Background
7
Project Description
•The BLE connects downtown
Minneapolis, north Minneapolis,
Robbinsdale, Crystal, and Brooklyn Park
•Includes LRT stations, pedestrian
bridges, bike facilities, and park-and-
rides
8
About the SDEIS
•An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is a document that details the impacts
of a proposed project as part of the NEPA process
The EIS for the original Blue Line Extension was completed in 2016
•This includes an evaluation of:
Social impacts and benefits
Economic impacts and benefits
Environmental impacts and benefits
•A Supplemental EIS is required if there are significant changes to a project or if
new impacts and benefits are discovered after the finalization of the EIS
9
SDEIS Chapters
•Purpose and Need•Alternatives•Transportation•Community and Social
Analysis•Physical and
Environmental Analysis
•Indirect and Cumulative
Impacts•Environmental Justice •Section 4(f) and 6(f)•Consultation and
Coordination•Financial AnalysisPurpose and Need
•2016 BLE Need Statement:
"The Project is needed to effectively address long-term regional transit mobility and local
accessibility needs while providing efficient, travel-time-competitive transit service that
supports economic development goals and objectives of local, regional, and statewide
plans."
•Purpose has not changed since 2016, but has been updated in response
to community interest
•2024 Purpose includes investment in areas experiencing history of
systemic racism, improved connectivity/access for communities,and
advancement of local and regional equity
10
Purpose and Need (2024)
SDEIS Chapters
•Purpose and Need•Alternatives•Transportation•Community and Social
Analysis•Physical and
Environmental Analysis
•Indirect and Cumulative
Impacts•Environmental Justice •Section 4(f) and 6(f)•Consultation and
Coordination•Financial Analysis
Growing
travel
demand
Reducing
local
pollution
Increased
reliance
on transit
Improved transit
service in BIPOC
communities
Regional
growth
objectives
Changing
traffic
patterns
Updated
Need
Factors
11
Alternatives Studied and
Build Alternative
12
Alternatives Development
•2016 Alignment
Included freight rail right-of-way
•Route Modification Process (2020-2022)
Identified revised alignments that avoided the
freight rail right-of-way portion of 2016 Alignment
•Evaluation of Alignment and Design Options
(2023)
SDEIS Chapters
•Purpose and Need•Alternatives•Transportation•Community and Social
Analysis•Physical and
Environmental Analysis
•Indirect and Cumulative
Impacts•Environmental Justice •Section 4(f) and 6(f)•Consultation and
Coordination•Financial Analysis
13
Build Alternative
•Brooklyn Park: new station at 63rd Ave
•Crystal: grade separated interchange at Bass Lake Road
•Robbinsdale: downtown station at 40th Ave
•Minneapolis:
Alignment east of I-94 along 10th and Washington Ave and over I-94 to 21st Avenue
New bridge to connect to 21st Avenue
Image depicts BLRT Recommended Route
14
Findings of the SDEIS
15
Community
Impacts
•Minor impacts to community amenities would occur in Brooklyn Park, Crystal, and Robbinsdale•Relocation of seven community amenities in Minneapolis
•Loss of on-street and off-street parking
•Visual, noise, and vibration impacts in certain locations would affect community character (see other sections)
Mitigation
•Additional community character mitigation to be developed in collaboration with community (21st Ave)
Benefits
•Improved transit, pedestrian, and bicycle conditions would improve community cohesion and the accessibility of community amenities
SDEIS Chapters
•Purpose and Need•Alternatives•Transportation•Community and Social
Analysis•Physical and Environmental
Analysis
•Indirect and Cumulative
Impacts•Environmental Justice •Section 4(f) and 6(f)•Consultation and
Coordination•Financial Analysis
Definitions
Community Amenities: Community
centers, restaurants, essential
goods/services
Community Cohesion: The aspect
of togetherness and bonding
exhibited by a community. Affected by
neighborhood boundaries, location of
residences/businesses,
demographics, economic, and social
history
Community Character: Interactions
among persons/groups, social
patterns
16
Property
Impacts (Partial and Full)
•Brooklyn Park: 158 parcel impacts (67.4 acres), 2 relocations
•Crystal: 15 property impacts (4.2 acres), 6 relocations
•Robbinsdale: 31 property impacts (3.1 acres), 1 relocation
•Minneapolis: 142 property impacts (7.0 acres), 27 relocations
•Continued efforts to minimize and avoid property impacts –
finalized in SFEIS
Mitigation
•Payment of fair-market compensation for impacted property, relocation
advisory services and reimbursement for moving and reestablishment
expenses for commercial relocations
SDEIS Chapters
•Purpose and Need•Alternatives•Transportation•Community and Social
Analysis•Physical and Environmental
Analysis
•Indirect and Cumulative
Impacts•Environmental Justice •Section 4(f) and 6(f)•Consultation and
Coordination•Financial Analysis
17
Business/Economic Effects
Impacts
•Increase in property values and associated property taxes
•Business access disruptions
•Potential for displacement of property owners and renters due to rising prices
Mitigation
•Implementation of anti-displacement measures and policies within the Project
•Close coordination with key stakeholders and members of the public during construction
Benefits
•Positive economic impact in the local economy
•LRT operation and maintenance job creation and earnings
SDEIS Chapters
•Purpose and Need•Alternatives•Transportation•Community and Social
Analysis•Physical and Environmental
Analysis
•Indirect and Cumulative
Impacts•Environmental Justice •Section 4(f) and 6(f)•Consultation and
Coordination•Financial Analysis
Image depicts a BLE public engagement meeting
18
Historic Properties – Section 106
Impacts
•Identification of properties eligible for the National
Register of Historic Places, evaluation of impacts
underway via Section 106 process
Mitigation
•Mitigation will be identified in the SFEIS
SDEIS Chapters
•Purpose and Need•Alternatives•Transportation•Community and Social
Analysis•Physical and Environmental
Analysis
•Indirect and Cumulative
Impacts•Environmental Justice •Section 4(f) and 6(f)•Consultation and
Coordination•Financial Analysis
Robbinsdale Library building - listed on the National Register of Historic
Places
19
Transportation
Impacts
•Temporary sidewalk and bike facility closures,
disruptions/changes to vehicle
traffic/operations, loss of parking
Mitigation
•Restriping, adding turn lanes, allowing U-turn
movements, signalization, traffic management
strategies
Benefits
•Transit improvement – light rail service
•Improvements to pedestrian and cyclist
safety,comfort,accessibility
SDEIS Chapters
•Purpose and Need•Alternatives•Transportation•Community and Social
Analysis•Physical and Environmental
Analysis
•Indirect and Cumulative
Impacts•Environmental Justice•Section 4(f) and 6(f)•Consultation and
Coordination•Financial Analysis
LRT service in downtown Minneapolis
20
Contaminated Properties and
Hazardous Materials
Impacts
•152 high risk known or potentially contaminated sites
•288 medium risk known or potentially contaminated sites
Mitigation
•Additional study will be conducted and documented in the SFEIS to
evaluate groundwater contamination
Benefits
•Opportunity to remove contamination and potentially reduce future
exposure risks
SDEIS Chapters
•Purpose and Need•Alternatives•Transportation•Community and Social
Analysis•Physical and
Environmental Analysis
•Indirect and Cumulative
Impacts•Environmental Justice •Section 4(f) and 6(f)•Consultation and
Coordination•Financial Analysis
Image depicts equipment used for testing for contaminated soils
21
Noise
Impacts
•Moderate noise impacts at 2 institutions and 27 residential
properties (244 dwelling units), most of which would be in
Minneapolis
•Severe noise impacts at 15 properties (173 dwelling units), all
within Minneapolis
Mitigation
•Noise mitigation will be considered in the SFEIS
SDEIS Chapters
•Purpose and Need•Alternatives•Transportation•Community and Social
Analysis•Physical and
Environmental Analysis
•Indirect and Cumulative
Impacts•Environmental Justice •Section 4(f) and 6(f)•Consultation and
Coordination•Financial Analysis
Image depicts LRT during construction
22
Vibration
Impacts
•The Build Alternative would result in vibration impacts at 2
residential properties (28 dwelling units)
•All vibration impacts are located within Minneapolis
Mitigation
•Vibration mitigation will be considered in the SFEIS
SDEIS Chapters
•Purpose and Need•Alternatives•Transportation•Community and Social
Analysis•Physical and
Environmental Analysis
•Indirect and Cumulative
Impacts•Environmental Justice •Section 4(f) and 6(f)•Consultation and
Coordination•Financial Analysis
Image depicts LRT construction
23
Section 4(f)
Section 4(f) is a federal law protecting publicly-
owned parks and wildlife refuges and significant
historical sites from conversion to transportation
use
•Section 4(f) Impacts: Anticipated de minimis use for
six parks and temporary occupancy use
determinations for seven parks
de minimis means the activities, features, and
attributes of the park are not adversely affected
Comments will be considered prior to making Section
4(f) determinations
SDEIS Chapters
•Purpose and Need•Alternatives•Transportation•Community and Social
Analysis•Physical and Environmental
Analysis
•Indirect and Cumulative
Impacts•Environmental Justice •Section 4(f) and 6(f)•Consultation and
Coordination•Financial Analysis
Image depicts the Build Alternative, parks, and trails
24
Environmental Justice
25
EJ Process
Identify EJ Communities and past harms
Assess impacts to EJ Communities
Avoidance, Minimization, Mitigation
Publish in SDEIS
Engagement with EJ Communities throughout entire process
2025 - SFEIS documents committed mitigation plan
SDEIS includes preliminary
Avoidance, Minimization, and
Mitigation
26
What is an EJ community?
EJ communities are any populations
that have a significant proportion of
people who have low incomes or are
otherwise adversely affected by
persistent poverty or inequality
and who experience
disproportionate and adverse
human health and environmental
burdens.
Some examples include:•Low-income individuals•Black, Indigenous, Persons of Color
(BIPOC) individuals•Individuals with disabilities•Households with high housing-cost
burden•Households without access to a car•Individuals 65 years or older•Individuals with limited English
proficiency
27
Topics with identified adverse
impacts to EJ communities
SDEIS Chapters
•Purpose and Need•Alternatives•Transportation•Community and Social
Analysis•Physical and Environmental
Analysis
•Indirect and Cumulative
Impacts•Environmental Justice •Section 4(f) and 6(f)•Consultation and
Coordination•Financial Analysis
•Adverse impacts that warrant mitigation:
Community impacts – along 21st Ave
Property
Businesses
Transportation - parking
Noise and Vibration
Economic effects – indirect displacement
Example map from Environmental Justice analysis – Justice40
Disadvantaged Communities mapping
28
EJ Benefits
•Transportation
Improved transit service
New bike and pedestrian infrastructure
Reconstruction of roadways that are shared with LRT (and West Broadway in Minneapolis) would provide:
o Refresh pavement, gutters, and drainage systems
o Widened sidewalks provide space for street cafes, landscaping, directional signage, and improved street lighting, which can greatly enhance the pedestrian experience and contribute to the overall livability of the area
o Curb extensions improve pedestrian safety by reducing crossing distance and enhancing sight line for drivers
29
EJ Benefits (continued)
•Jobs/Economic
Opportunity for community land ownership and redevelopment of land
vacated for light rail
Generation of thousands of jobs through planning and construction of BLE
Small businesses can attract more employees and customers through
improved transit options
30
EJ Benefits (continued…)
•Environmental/Health
Opportunities for new stormwater infiltration and green space
Reduced pollution compared to gas powered vehicles
Improved public health by connecting people to quality healthcare and active
transportation options
Safety and more comfortable pedestrian-scale lighting
Improved safety by reducing vehicle use and traffic accidents
31
SDEIS Comment Period and Next Steps
32
What will we do with comments received
during the SDEIS comment period?
•After the comment period ends, project
staff will compile, consider, and respond
to comments received regarding the
SDEIS
•Comments received will inform the SFEIS
•Responses to comments will be published
in the SFEIS
33
Commenting on the SDEIS
•Providing a written comment
In-Person: Complete the “SDEIS Comment Form”, available at the public hearings in July and at office hours/community events with project staff, or other comments in writing
Online: Visit the Metropolitan Council’s Blue Line project website (BlueLineExt.org) to complete the online comment form at any time during the comment period
Email (BlueLineExt@metrotransit.org)
Mail: Blue Line Extension Project Office, Attn: Neha Damle, 6465 Wayzata Blvd, Suite 600 | St. Louis Park, MN | 55426
•Providing a verbal comment
Online: Call the SDEIS project hotline (612-373-3970) and leave a message to submit a verbal comment at any time during the comment period
In-Person: Provide a verbal comment at the public hearings in July
The SDEIS comment period will close August 6, 2024
Network Now Update
Crystal City Council Work Session
July 16, 2024
Network Now
•Metro Transit’s vision for 2027
•The proposed plan will:
–Expand service in our network by more than 35%
to grow ridership
–Improve mobility by expanding bus routes and
micro service
–Redesign our express and commuter services to
meet the travel needs of our region now
Network Now Development Timeline
Public input to
create Guiding
Framework &
values
Foundation Report:
Planning Principles
Developed draft
Concept Service
Plan
Public Review of
Draft plan, modify
based on input
Final Council
adoption of
Recommend Plan
Spring/Summer 2023 Fall/Winter 2023 Spring 2024 Fall 2024 Winter 2024/2025
We are here
Metro Transit is
growing
Why Network Now?
Pivotal time in
our history
•Ridership dropped 50% between 2019 and 2020 but is now
growing again
•30% less service, with 60+ routes suspended
Travel patterns
are changing
•Fewer downtown commuters and more diverse needs
•Customers increasingly need all-day, all-purpose transit
Workforce is a
top priority
•Bus and rail service expansion requires operators and
support staff
•Service design can impact employee satisfaction
•New regional sales tax
•4 new transitways under construction and more in planning
•New transit modes (microtransit)
Foundation for Network
Modification
•Engagement: captured values and thoughts
•Performance: details network performance,
changes since 2019, and opportunities
•Policy : regional policy guidance from the
Metropolitan Council applied
6
•Establishing community’s values and
priorities
•Public workshops, surveys, direct
customer outreach
•5,000 points of contact, 6,000 comments
•Trade -off and allocation questions
Community meetings
Ad on KMOJ’s webpage
Spring 2023 Outreach
•Top concern is reliability
•Top values
–Serving the most riders
–Providing good service in neighborhoods with
BIPOC or low-income communities
•Support service geared towards areas
where demand and ridership are high
•More frequent service, especially in the
evening and weekends
Key Engagement Themes Trade Off 8: Geographic Evenness vs. Equity
A: Similar transit service should be provided to all
communities in the region
B: More transit service should be provided to
communities that need it most
Workforce is Key to Growth
•Paused hiring in 2020
•Significant missed trips caused
Metro Transit to reduced
service in December 2022 to
ensure reliability
•Service levels have been right-
sized to match workforce
•Service and system growth tied
to workforce growth
Key Service Levels Trends
•Bus and rail service has been
reduced but is gradually
increasing.
•Most service in core cities has
been restored. BRT and local
bus service are operating at 90%
of 2019 levels
•Many commuter express routes
remain suspended
68%25%
90%
0
5000
10000
15000
20000
25000
30000
LRT Commuter Express &
Northstar
BRT & Local BusWeekly In-Service HoursAugust 2019 June 2024
Key Ridership Trends •Ridership dropped significantly
but is growing again
•Ridership on core local routes
has risen as a proportion of total
ridership
•Productivity has declined on
non-BRT service
•Commuter express routes and
Northstar commuter rail have
been slowest to recover
When People Ride
Has Changed
•Fewer riders in the AM Rush Hour
compared to PM Rush Hour
•Ridership gap has narrowed
–Between rush hour and midday
–Between weekday and weekend
•Ridership varies more
significantly by weekday on
commuter express service than
on local service
Why People Ride Has Changed
•Most trips are now for
purposes other than
commuting during traditional
business hours
•Commute trips dropped from
34% in 2020 to 20% in 2024
•Local bus service has been
resilient, and BRT ridership is
above 2019 levels
Park and Ride Usage Has Changed
•Increased telecommuting
•Easier to drive/less expensive
to park
•Commuter express service
now focused at 1-2 key
facilities in each major
highway corridor
METRO Line Opening Date
Gold Line BRT 2025
B Line BRT 2025
E Line BRT 2025
Green Line Extension 2027
G Line BRT (North)2027
G Line (South)2028
F Line BRT Planning
H Line BRT Planning
Blue Line Extension Engineering
Purple Line BRT Planning
15
Future METRO
Network
Network Now Principles
Adapt service to changes in transit markets and travel patterns.Adapt
Prepare for new METRO and high-frequency routes.Prepare
Maintain the reliability of our scheduled service consistently over time.Maintain
Build on success to grow ridership, adding service where people use transit the
most.
Build on
success
Provide access to opportunities and services with a focus on advancing equity
and reducing regional disparities.Provide access
Evaluate
against
principles
Refinement
Establishing
the Foundation
Planning
options
Plan Review /
Approval
Draft
Concept
Plan
Stakeholder/
Public
Comment
Final Plan
Step 3: Developing the Concept Plan
Network Now
Principles
Transit in Crystal
18
2024 Transit service in Crystal
Route 14 Daily Every 30 min.
Route 721 Daily Every 30 min.
Route 716 Weekday, Saturday Hourly
Route 705 Weekday Hourly
Route 717 Weekday Hourly
Route 755 Rush Hour 12 daily trips
Route 764 Rush Hour 2 daily trips
2024 Transit service in Crystal
Route 14 Daily Every 30 min.
Route 721 Daily Every 30 min.
Route 716 Weekday, Saturday Hourly
Route 705 Weekday Hourly
Route 717 Weekday Hourly
Route 755 Rush Hour 12 daily trips
Route 764 Rush Hour 2 daily trips
2024 Transit service in Crystal
Route 14 Daily Every 30 min.
Route 721 Daily Every 30 min.
Route 716 Weekday, Saturday Hourly
Route 705 Weekday Hourly
Route 717 Weekday Hourly
Route 755 Rush Hour 12 daily trips
Route 764 Rush Hour 2 daily trips
2024 Transit service in Crystal
Route 14 Daily Every 30 min.
Route 721 Daily Every 30 min.
Route 716 Weekday, Saturday Hourly
Route 705 Weekday Hourly
Route 717 Weekday Hourly
Route 755 Rush Hour 12 daily trips
Route 764 Rush Hour 2 daily trips
2024 Transit service in Crystal
Route 14 Daily Every 30 min.
Route 721 Daily Every 30 min.
Route 716 Weekday, Saturday Hourly
Route 705 Weekday Hourly
Route 717 Weekday Hourly
Route 755 Rush Hour 12 daily trips
Route 764 Rush Hour 2 daily trips
Ridership and Service
Trends In Crystal
•Crystal residents using Park & Rides
dropped from 80 in 2019 to 10 in 2023
•Number of trips serving Crystal city
limits:
–2019: 1,536 trips/week
–2024: 1,337 trips/week
•Ridership at bus stops in Crystal at
80% to 90% of 2019 levels
•20 bus stops currently closed
•Future METRO Network: Blue Line
extension, planned connecting routes
Next Steps
What’s Next
•Fall 2024: Draft concept plan public engagement period from September
12 to November 15
•Winter: Refine plan based on feedback
•Winter 2024-2025: Seek Metropolitan Council approval
•2025-2027: Phased implementation
To learn more or subscribe for updates, visit metrotransit.org/network-now.
Thank You!
Ben Picone
Transit Planner
ben.picone@metrotransit.org
Cyndi Harper
Manager of Route Planning
cyndi.harper@metrotransit.org
CITY MANAGER
MONTHLY CHECK-IN – JULY 2024
Objective 1 – Work with City Council to develop Long Range Vision for the continued
implementation of Council priorities:
• Working with staff to refine vision and priorities for the remainder of 2024 and the 2025/2026
Budget
Objective 2 – Policy Facilitation – Implement the Longe Range Vision/Strategic Planning for
continued implementation of Council priorities:
• Thriving Business Community
o Amended UDC to incorporate Cannabis zoning regulations
o Staff is continuing to assist with potential redevelopment opportunities and business
openings
• Strong Neighborhoods
o Continuing to work with businesses on THC/Cannabis sales compliance
o Working with HRG on organized organic waste collection proposal – Proposed 4/2025
o Continuing to work on the Crystal Cove Aquatic Center project
o Working with residents/property owners to address code violations and traffic concerns
o Police working to address concerns at Becker Park
• Sound fiscal policies and practices
o Continuing to seek additional outside funding for projects
o Continuing to implement the 2024 Capital Program
o Processing acquisition of Questica budget software
o Continuing 2025/2026 Budget Preparation
o Training new Accounting Manager
• Welcoming and inclusive community
o Inclusion & Diversity Commission –
• The Commission is continuing to work on developing a Work Plan and
recruitment.
Objective 3 – Re-establish the Environmental Quality Commission with a clear and engaging
purpose and a sustainable future:
• Continuing to research other cities’ environmental commissions/efforts to develop future
Climate Action Plan – Robbinsdale just created an environmental committee
• Monitoring additional grant opportunities for Climate Action Plan development
• Researching Gold Leaf Challenge Program action items
• Working to schedule further discussion of Commission and “Green Team” process
• August – September – Climate Action Planning/Task Force/Commission establishment
• October – December – Commission meets to begin 2024/2025 work plan
Objective 4 – Create an atmosphere of better teamwork, open communication, enhanced
employee performance, and where staff feel empowered to help make decisions:
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
• Reviewing job descriptions and updating roles/responsibilities
• Actively recruiting and interviewing new staff for open positions
o Crime Analyst – New Employee Started 6/4
o Rental and Building Inspector – New Employee Started 6/4
o Administrative Assistant – PW and Admin – New Employee Started 6/10
o Accounting Manager – Has started.
o Temporary PT Election Assistant (2) – One has started.
o Engineering Project Manager – Reopened recruitment. Now Interviewing.
o Information Technology System Administrator – Scheduling interviews
o Recreation Manager – Recruitment opening
o Temporary Seasonal Staff - Ongoing
o Police Officers – Ongoing recruitment
• Supporting staff wellness and continuing professional growth and development
• Connecting with neighboring city managers on various local issues
• Continuing participation in city manager leadership/peer group and metro and state
professional organizations