Dear City Leaders:
Many months have passed since the Greater West 70th Homeowners Association was formed. During that time we have "signed up" six hundred neighbors, raised thousands of dollars, distributed hundreds of lawn signs, and had a successful National Night Out celebration.
The Cornelia Neighborhood has united behind the vision of a Parkway for West 70th, an upgrade that would enhance the safety and beauty of the neighborhood as well as protect our residential character. We have appreciated your willingness to appoint the necessary committees, to respond to the many e-mails, and to consider our parkway vision. Since "Parkway" has many potential meanings, we want to share with you our vision for the purpose and the particulars of Arneson Parkway.
The Purpose of Arneson Parkway
Two words come to mind, "stabilize" and "enhance." Parkways transform a common street into an urban oasis. In Minneapolis, neighborhoods prosper on and adjacent to Minnehaha Parkway, Lake Harriet Boulevard, and the many other such roadways. And this "prosperity" is of great benefit to Minneapolis which, unlike so many other core cities, has maintained many wonderful residential areas. Edina city leaders can learn from the Minneapolis experience.
West 70th does not have an adjacent creek or lake. However, it has a stately church, a beautiful park, and a vibrant school. And, of course, W. 70th leads directly into one of the nation's most prosperous shopping areas. The church, the park, the school, and the commercial interests would all benefit from a stable, prosperous residential neighborhood. The creation of “Arneson Parkway” would guarantee the vitality of the W. 70th neighborhood for decades. It is a change that would benefit all of Edina.
The Particulars of Arneson Parkway
1. Obtain variance from State Aid (as the City has already received on 70th east of France) so that commercial thru truck traffic can be banned and speeds reduced below 30 mph
2. Drop speeds to 25 mph throughout W. 70th and 20 mph in front of school while in session.
3. More frequent crosswalks: 2 per Arneson/Cornelia parks, 2 at the school, and several others.
4. Wider, safer, crosswalks: better flashers, better signage, raised or textured surfaces, and shortercrossing distances.
5. Narrower roadbed with no center lines.
6. Rubberized "quiet" asphalt surface.
7. Median planters and boulevard trees and plantings to create a truly bucolic corridor.
8. Realigned or curved roadway at both ends of 70th St. (near Highway 100 and France Ave.)
9. Bike lane on one side of 70th.
10. Cut in parking sections near parks and/or school.
11. Rename road to “Arneson Parkway” (from 100, East to France Ave.) and install new signage on Hwy. 100 exits.
12. To reduce cut through traffic, add additional signage on Hwy. 100 and 62 to make 494, 62,
France Ave, and 76th St./Industrial Blvd. the major commercial gateways to Southdale.
-Board of Directors, Greater W. 70th Homeowners Association
