Avoid, Minimize, and Mitigate. Residents highlighted the lack of sufficient data and studies to justify why alternatives were eliminated, particularly noting that previous data was for a different project, namely a beltline. Residents expressed frustration at constantly receiving conflicting information and emphasized the lack of effective communication.

Additionally, a representative from the Chamber of Commerce highlighted a letter of support for the East Side Corridor project to pursue grants. They emphasized that the letter does not specify a location and urged the council to follow the process without tying it to a single location at this time as well. 

Mr. Greg Ilkka, the County Engineer, presented the East Side Corridor project to the City Council, marking their first briefing despite significant tax funding. The presentation aimed to secure support letters for additional funding for a trail alongside the highway. However, the Engineer's responses to council queries lacked certainty, revealing discrepancies in proposed distances from citizens' properties, regulatory adherence, and road classification. 

Residents voiced concerns over location considerations and incomplete reports, highlighting discrepancies in routes being studied and the Engineer's responses.

Notably, while the City Council's support letter specified the 29th Ave location, the Chamber of Commerce's did not.

A resident expresses concern that the County Engineer has only recently become aware of the presence of houses within the right of way. Questions as to why essential aspects such as mitigation, minimization, and avoidance strategies to protect noise-sensitive areas have not been considered. Furthermore, doubts are raised about the absence of studies indicating the necessity of the project and potential alternatives to fulfill that need.

Residents ask city council members for conversations going forward as they are the decision makers holding the power to shape this project and the future. They share how this project is dangerous and not feasible and ask for council members to protect the constituents from the dangers of this highway. Further residents speak to the lack of communication being frustrating. 

Residents presented maps showing the 150' mapped right of way with residential properties within the "preserved right of way". A petition with 200 signatures advocating for 34th Ave was presented. Another resident affirmed residents have chosen to send representatives to speak for them. A final resident reiterated that the 29th Ave location is an injustice and 34th Ave is where the road should be built. 

FIFTEEN FEET

Residents showed visuals of the distance between structures and the proposed road. 15'. In 1993 it was noted space was needed, in 1995 we knew it needed to be 800'. Today we have 15'. This plan is not only dangerous, it's deadly. It takes 6 seconds and 300' to stop a car. We have 15'. 

Many residents spoke to the proposed 9% levy increase. Residents representing those concerned about the East Side Corridor location noted, decades ago, plans had to be altered by 800' from residents' homes.  Residents have been repeatedly told this project will have no mitigations citing 26th St. which existed before residential developments. Residents researched MNDot approved safety mitigations: 20' noise wall (will cost millions), 20' berm (requires 120' foot width), 100' mature evergreen trees (maintenance is unfeasible), or space - hundreds of feet which allows for growth and needed businesses to support a highway of this magnitude. 34th Ave remains the least invasive option. 

Residents express safety concerns about highways being located very close to homes, highlighting past failures that required 800' between residents and highway with 150' right of way - neither of which exist today. Comparable roads were built prior to residential development unlike this scenario that requires different regulations. They emphasize that for three decades, residents have consistently requested 34th Ave as a preferred location.

Matt Sennott addresses the 2005-2025 transportation plan, which shows a city street away from the North Country Neighborhood, spanning between Dane Road and Rose Street. This was the premise under which residents purchased and built their homes. MNDot recommended against this route in 2004, favoring 34th Ave.  Yet, in 2022 the East Side Corridor was proposed as a highway with speeds of 45-55mph encroaching on residents' homes. Sennott advocates for 34th Ave to prioritize safety and growth.