At the final City Council meeting for Mayor Tom Kuntz and Council Member Greg Schultz, residents raised ESC concerns, pointing out misleading data, outdated reports, and a road just 17 feet from homes. A proposed hybrid option could meet project goals while protecting residents, but misinformation and biased comparisons remain a major issue.

Residents raised serious concerns about the ESC, calling out misleading reports, ethical issues, and safety risks. Homes will be just 17 feet from the right-of-way, without the 150-foot buffer, putting families in danger. Alternative 4 was unfairly rated low despite being nearly identical to Alternative 3, and key data, like utility impacts and relocation numbers, appears manipulated. 

Residents exposed biased data and policy contradictions in the ESC report, noting Alternative 4 was unfairly rated lower than Alternative 3 despite similar results. They also questioned why cannabis dispensaries face stricter distance laws than a highway placed within 500 feet of schools and daycares.

A resident exposed biased data in the ESC report, highlighting six pedestrian accidents this year, including one fatality. Despite Alternatives 2-4 offering the same minimal congestion relief, Alternative 4 was unfairly removed to fit a predetermined outcome. Residents continue to demand transparency and better planning.

Residents warned that the East Side Corridor (ESC) poses serious health risks, with road noise increasing heart attack risks sevenfold and worsening mental health struggles. One resident, whose family has already survived a near-fatal heart attack, urged leaders to reroute the project, stating, "We should never sacrifice the health and well-being of our community for 30 seconds of convenience." Residents continue to push for smarter, safer planning.

Residents shared powerful concerns at this meeting following a WSB presentation: One spoke about the tragic loss of children to car accidents and the lifelong trauma it causes, highlighting the dangers of the ESC. Another criticized the skewed data undermining the project. A third thanked the council for their questions and raised concerns about the WSB confirmed 17 feet between homes and the right of way, emphasizing, "We're worth more than this." Finally, a resident pointed out that this project reverses two decades of safety progress by removing alternatives from consideration.

Residents discussed high-speed accidents in the city, urging the ESC be moved to create a buffer, and emphasized the city council's power to reject the project if safety concerns are not addressed.

ESC residents did not speak at this meeting. However, another resident addressed the dangers of 3rd Avenue, referencing a recent deadly accident caused by excessive speeds.

ESC residents were not present to speak at this meeting. 

Residents discussed the possibility of moving the ESC east as per the Imagine Owatonna plans and thanked the council for visiting neighborhoods during Night to Unite, highlighting the importance of protecting local families.

On July 16, 2024, residents discussed cybersecurity, the omission of the ESC from the CIP, challenges faced by the Rainbowtonna community, suicide rates, and the consideration of adjusting deer hunting in local parks. 

Four residents spoke, raising concerns about cybersecurity, the ESC project’s lack of progress after two years, misalignment with the Imagine Owatonna plan, and the ESC’s impact on community safety and future leaders. 

Residents emphasize urgent road safety improvements following recent tragic incidents. Another raises concerns about park safety for 1129 rental units, where deer hunting occurs annually. Mayor Kuntz's decision not to seek re-election leaves a mayoral vacancy.

Residents voiced concerns over the dangers of current city streets. With all alternatives back on the table, it's crucial for elected officials to prioritize safety when choosing a route. City roads are slower and more controlled (30 mph) compared to the proposed ESC (up to 55 mph). Just days before this meeting, little Ana, not yet 2 years old, was struck by a hit-and-run driver in what should have been a crosswalk. Many residents feel unsafe on town streets. Implementing the ESC will add more strain to an already stretched-thin city. When will residents' safety become the priority?

Unfortunately, due to severe weather, ESC residents had to watch the May 21, 2024, meeting from home. Other residents spoke about amateur radio, the Flores Foundation, and deer hunting safety in local parks.

Sean Murphy, the city engineer, shared updates on the ESC project, noting FHWA approval of project objectives and evaluation criteria. Residents revealed recent discussions with county officials indicating the project has restarted with no preferred alternative. Commissioners pledged to prioritize safety and involve residents in decision-making, contrasting with city council's development plans based on outdated ESC from 30 years ago.

Concerns were raised about a 55 mph road near school property, affecting children as per 2050 plans. Residents noted confusion over 29th Ave as the ESC despite seven alternatives under consideration. They urged the city to update documentation accordingly.

Additionally, City Council President Greg Schultz announced he won't seek re-election this year.

Unfortunately, ESC residents couldn't attend the this meeting, but we learned a lot. Stick around to the end. There's $1.2 million in ARPA COVID funds left, currently earmarked for a parking lot. Council member Dotson noted, "The COVID money is being spent on parking lots. While it is eligible, was that the intention?" We also found out taxpayer dollars were used to buy a device to cut off microphones when residents speak a few seconds past the 2-minute limit. With only a few residents addressing the council, is a few extra seconds a big deal? This reinforces the perception that our officials don't care what residents think. Look at those tax dollars hard at work!

Residents urged city council members to prioritize safety and representation. For 1.5 years, they've sought dialogue without success. The right of way has long been built on, placing a road feet from homes. One resident highlighted the destruction needed to remove power lines, trees, and fences. Another cited poor communication and moving from a larger city to avoid the dangers of a road so close to homes.

A resident addressed the City Council on how Owatonna can attract young families. They emphasized the city's shortcomings and proposed developing family-friendly amenities on 34th Ave, such as parks, playgrounds, and recreational centers. The resident also stressed the importance of investing in residents' needs to make Owatonna more appealing to young families. 

Residents are speaking out against the location of the East Side Corridor and for a more favorable location of 34th Ave. Historically speaking 34th Ave aligns with development in which a roadway is encroached on vs residential developments being encroached on as 29th Ave would do. The city has been annexing and encroaching on 29th Ave for 30 years now. Residents spoke to the safety concerns about accidents similar to those that recently happened in a much slower and more well controlled area than is being proposed for the East Side Corridor. Others are concerned about the impaired cognitive development road noise has on people, especially children! 

The east side corridor is often compared to 26th St. Residents address how the city has been encroaching on 26th St for the last 50 years, with the first structure being a church in 1974, after 26th St was build. In fact, that's been the case with every major corridor in Owatonna - 218, 14, 34, 24th Ave.  Roads existed before people. One resident asserts the only reason for this plan is to build a trail. 

While it's not easy to redo plans for a large project it is important to do what is right and listen to residents. The city sought input on long term plans, and residents' top priority was improved pavement quality. The East Side Corridor aligned with constituents lowest priorities. A survey of neighbors showed overwhelming support for the 34th Ave location over 29th Ave, with only one person in favor of 29th Ave. Frequent concerns included disappointment with their representatives' lack of effort do seek first hand knowledge and frustrations that input is disregarded for predetermined plans. 

City ordinances, including MN rule 7030, addressing noise pollution from roadways were discussed. This ordinance emphasizes the risks of excessive noise to residents and daily life, leading to the need for restrictions. The city must prohibit land use that would immediately violate noise level regulations for existing residential areas, such as at 29th Avenue.  Any one who violates any part of the ordinance is guilty of a misdemeanor. 

Another resident addressed discrepancies in a county engineer's presentation from Dec 5th, including the need for developments on both 29th and 34th Ave. However, engineers previously stated that such development would not occur within their lifetimes, leaving the community in a similar predicament in twenty years regarding the development of 34th Avenue. Building it now would facilitate anticipated growth.

Resident addresses the recent discrepancies including listing the the project at 29th Ave in the letter of support, going from studying one alternative to all alternatives, and a bike path along 29th Ave but the environmental reports aren't back yet to know that. Finally he addresses how we can fund a trail when we can't find money for mitigations. 

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.