AYD MILL ROAD - Statement from Bob Long

We need to protect the livability of our neighborhoods.

As Mayor, I will evaluate all projects that affect our neighborhoods
such as Ayd Mill Road, the proposed West 7th Busway and others to
determine the impact on our neighborhoods.  Neighborhoods will 
come first in my administration. 

The transportation issues with Ayd Mill Road and the surrounding
communities cannot be solved by the current city council resolution.
Based on my initial review of the EIS documents and discussions 
with Ayd Mill Road leaders regarding the various alternatives, 
I would not support direct connections at either the north or south
ends. 

We need some new approaches to solving the traffic problems all over
our city including Ayd Mill Road.  First, we need to get people 
out of their cars and reduce the increasing traffic on Saint Paul's 
streets by improving bus service, building light rail and commuter 
rail to get people in and out of our city without cars.  We also
need to protect all neighborhoods and immediately implement traffic
calming along Lexington Avenue.  

Second, we should fully investigate a downtown "direct connection" from
I-35E north to I-94 west instead of just focusing on Ayd Mill Road to
alleviate traffic from the suburbs running through the vital 
neighborhoods of St. Paul.  

Finally, I believe we should turn Ayd Mill Road into a two-lane parkway
with reduced speeds, more green space, and bike and walking trails.   

When faced with decisions concerning major development projects,
neighborhood residents must have a strong voice throughout the process. 
In my administration, I will ensure that residents and neighborhood 
businesses are well informed and an integral part of the decision-making 
process.  My administration will always put neighborhoods first.