SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2013

edenprairie.org

Southwest Transit A New Transportation Alternative for Eden Prairie

Alternatives for improved transit in the Southwest Corridor have been under study by the since the completion of the Hwy. 169/I-494 interchange. It is projected that as the mid-1980s. In November 2009 the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority (HCRRA) recommended the numbers of people and jobs in the corridor increase, traffic congestion construction of a light rail transit (LRT) line connecting Eden Prairie with jobs, medical services, restaurants and will worsen, making the area less economically attractive — unless new entertainment in Minnetonka, Hopkins, St. Louis Park and . This Southwest LRT route would also connect transportation options are created. Multiple studies conducted by state and directly to the Central Corridor LRT becoming part of the Green Line with direct service to the University of Minnesota regional agencies project that as the numbers of people and jobs in the and St. Paul. Southwest Corridor increase, traffic congestion will worsen, which could make The proposed Southwest Green Line Extension would also allow transfers near to access the Blue Line the area less economically attractive if additional transportation options are not (Hiawatha LRT, in service since 2004) with service to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport as well as the in place. The resulting comprehensive evaluation of transportation alternatives Northstar commuter rail line. shows that light rail transit is the best option for maintaining mobility in the Southwest Corridor, connecting employers and workers and mitigating the As currently proposed, the line would be 15.8 miles long with 17 stations expected to open in 2018. The project’s adverse economic impacts of increasing traffic congestion. construction and long-term operation would be funded primarily through a mix of federal and state sources. The City of Eden Prairie is not expected to contribute financially to the transit project itself. However, the City may request that It is important to note the Southwest LRT is intended to complement other forms aesthetic improvements – also called “betterments” – be included in the final project design along the portion of the line of transportation such as bus transit, highway transit, walking and bicycling. that runs through Eden Prairie. These improvements would complement the City’s existing redevelopment plans for the Together all modes of travel are needed to decrease congestion, improve air Town Center area and be funded by the City. quality and provide the public with options for mobility.

Project Status Stations The Southwest LRT/Green Line Extension Project is currently in the engineering phase of project development. The As currently proposed, the Southwest LRT/Green Line Extension will include project received approval to enter Preliminary Engineering (PE) from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) in 17 new stations: September 2011. In January 2013, the Metropolitan Council awarded contracts for Preliminary Engineering services to Five stations in Eden Prairie two companies. • Mitchell Road • The PE process, expected to be complete in early 2014, will finalize about 30 percent of the design work. During • Town Center • Golden Triangle Area this phase, the Metropolitan Council and project partners will: select an alignment alternative; finalize plans for station • City West/United Health Group placement and design; refine estimates of project costs, benefits and impacts; finalize management plans; and identify Two stations in Minnetonka any required local funding sources. Two stations in Hopkins Three stations in St. Louis Park Route Five stations in Minneapolis In May 2010 the Metropolitan Council selected a preliminary route, which they call the “Locally Preferred Alternative” Station design and siting will be finalized during the Preliminary Engineering (LPA). The LPA would start west of Mitchell Road in Eden Prairie and go through SouthWest Station, the north end phase of project development, which is expected to be complete in of our Town Center area, the Golden Triangle area and the new United Health Group development in City West, early 2014. before passing into the Opus Corporate Center in Minnetonka, downtown Hopkins, St. Louis Park (including service to Methodist Hospital) and through Minneapolis on the Kenilworth route. At the same time, the Metropolitan Council City Involvement amended the regional 2030 Transportation Policy Plan (TPP) to include rail along the corridor, making the project Although the Green Line Extension is not a municipal project, the City of Eden eligible for federal funding. Prairie has been actively involved in the planning efforts of the Metropolitan This map shows the Locally Preferred Council, to ensure the project will bring a positive economic impact to the Alternative (LPA) for the project selected community, and best serve our residents and businesses into the future. by the Metropolitan Council in 2010. The LPA is one of several alignments that Public Involvement were initially considered for the project. The lead agency for the project is the Metropolitan Council, which has Information on initial alternative alignments established a Southwest Project Office to oversee the project, address public is included in the Southwest Transitway Draft comments and provide frequent project updates. Visit Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), metrocouncil.org for more information and subscribe to receive which can be found at metrocouncil.org. “Southwest LRT News” email updates The final route is dependent on the outcome of the environmental review process and The Southwest LRT community outreach coordinators are the first point of preliminary engineering, which began in contact for members of the public, community organizations and corridor 2013. Based upon the City of Eden Prairie’s businesses. They are available to answer questions, receive input on the comments, the preliminary engineering project and help resolve issues. process includes analysis of alternatives for Daren Nyquist, Metropolitan Council’s outreach coordinator for serving Eden Prairie’s Town Center area Eden Prairie, can be reached at 612-373-3894 or and addressing other City concerns such as [email protected]. potential traffic impacts. Route Selection The general route of the Green Line Extension was selected to help meet the current and future transportation needs of the region. share your thoughts More than 210,000 jobs and 60,000 people in 31,000 households are presently located within 1 half mile of the There is now a new way to submit your ideas and comment on others for proposed Southwest LRT stations. The Southwest Corridor is projected to add 30,000 households and 60,000 new how areas around planned LRT stations should change in anticipation of jobs by 2030 — more than any other part of the metropolitan area except the Central Corridor. light rail coming in 2018. Several key roadways serving the corridor have received high mobility deficiency ratings from the Minnesota Southwest LRT Beyond the Rails is an online platform for community Department of Transportation (MnDOT), and no major expansions or improvements are planned for the corridor after dialogue — to join the conversation visit swbeyondtherails.com.

More information about the Southwest LRT project can also be found at edenprairie.org/swlrt.

Night to Unite By the Numbers and Thousands of Eden Prairie residents gathered with friends and neighbors in early August to continue the summer tradition Police Fire of celebrating Eden Prairie Night to Unite. Here are a few statistics from the record-breaking evening: Open House 151 The number of neighborhood gatherings for 139 The number of neighborhoods who incorporated a the Night to Unite event. collection of donations for PROP (People Reaching 5,033 The number of adults who celebrated the out to Other People) into the evening’s festivities. evening together. 150 The total number of City officials and Saturday, Oct. 12 3,427 The number of children who enjoyed a fun representatives from the Eden Prairie Police and 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. summer evening. Fire Departments who made stops at each of the local gatherings. 7,790 The total pounds of donated items collected 8080 Mitchell Road for PROP.

Eden Prairie Night to Unite 2013 was by all means a successful event, bringing friends and neighbors together to Entertainment – Tours – Refreshments celebrate and strengthen their commitment to a safe community. Demonstrations – Fun – Information

Published by: City of Eden Prairie | Communications Division | 8080 Mitchell Road | Eden Prairie, MN | 55344-4485 | 952-949-8300 | edenprairie.org | facebook.com/cityofedenprairie MAYOR: Nancy Tyra-Lukens [email protected] 952-937-1898 COUNCIL MEMBERS: Brad Aho [email protected] 952-303-6884  Sherry Butcher Wickstrom [email protected] 612-296-3721  Ron Case [email protected] 952-949-0915  Kathy Nelson [email protected] 952-941-6613 SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2013 Around Eden Prairie A Page from the Blog of City Manager Rick Getschow Living Green LED Street Lights June 6, 2013

Over the past several years we have been working on our 20-40- While LED street lights are not new to 15 initiative, which is aimed at improving energy efficiency in City the market, we are one of the few cities Green up Your School Year facilities by 20 percent, improving the fuel efficiency of the City’s that have installed them. Additionally, the Going back to school is an exciting time because vehicle fleet by 40 percent and achieving these goals by the year manner in which we installed the lights everything’s new – teachers, fellow students, school supplies. 2015. is very unique. Working with our vendor However, National Geographic Kids encourages children We are getting close to achieving our goal through current City we were able to reuse the existing street and parents to “go green” this school year by reusing projects such as: light housing units and just simply replace last year’s school supplies and considering the following the internal system with LED panels. This suggestions: • Advanced energy recovery strategies for our Community reduced the amount of new material • Ride your bike or walk to school Center ice rink cooling system, including recovery of waste needed to retrofit the lights, resulting in a significant cost savings to heat from compressors, variable speed drives for pumps and the City and less material being land filled. • Buy canvas and cardboard binders instead of plastic fans; The total cost of the project was $3,108 for seven lights – much • Buy recycled paper • The installation of energy-saving ceilings in the these same ice less than the cost of all new LED lights and fixtures. • Use reusable water bottles instead of disposable plastic rinks; and The benefits of LED lights include: • Use a lunch box, not paper bags • The addition of electric vehicles to the City’s fleet, as well as an electric vehicle charging station at City Center. • Reduced maintenance costs because of their longer life cycle • Donate last year’s clothes instead of throwing them away as compared to traditional lights; But we are always looking at more ways to be energy efficient • Buy online to avoid driving • A 60-percent energy usage reduction; and “green”– even if it is not directly related to our City buildings • Turn your computer off when you’re not using it or our fleet. Our newest project is the installation of light emitting • Less waste because the existing housing units were reused; • Make your own bookmarks diode (LED) street lights. and • Organize a clothes swap with your friends We recently retrofitted several 250-watt high pressure sodium • A more natural light color display • Carpool to sports and other activities street lights with more energy efficient 100-watt LED street lights. As an added benefit, this was all accomplished while using a The new LEDs were installed as part of a pilot project on Viking Minnesota-based LED manufacturing company. • Use refillable pens and pencils Drive between Flying Cloud Drive and Prairie Center Drive. The • Reuse your old backpack City contracted with Lighting House USA of Plymouth, Minn. to manufacture the LEDs – and our own City crews installed them. For more environmental tips and materials for children, visit kids.nationalgeographic.com. See more of Rick Getschow’s blog entries by visiting edenprairieweblogs.org.

Live Well Eden Prairie! Mark Your Calendar

Autumn Adventures City Council Meetings* Tuesdays, Sept. 3, 17; Oct. 1, 15 The first day of autumn is Sept. 22, and before *Meetings begin at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers we know it the long Minnesota winter will be at the City Center. here once again. So, the Eden Prairie Parks Fall Harvest Celebration and Recreation Department is offering dozens Saturday, Sept. 28 Did you know that the City of Eden Prairie facilitates a program 2–7 p.m. of opportunities for autumn adventures! designed to give students firsthand experience participating in Riley-Jacques Barn municipal government? Live music, beer tasting, food and fun for the whole family! Top 10 Autumn Adventures in Eden Prairie: The Students on Commissions program is a great way for high school juniors and seniors to contribute to their community in an 1. Call for owls and watch for bats on a Chilly Fall official capacity, while gaining valuable insight about municipal Eden Prairie Players Present: Night Hike at the Outdoor Center. government. Students from any of the Eden Prairie public or A Collection of One Acts private schools and who are residents are welcome to apply. 2. Get creative in the Community Woodshop at the Sept. 13-14, 19-21 Senior Center. The application process begins in May and appointments for 7:30 p.m. the following school year are made by the City Council in June. 3. Have some fun with your little one taking Parent- Sept. 15 and 22 The time commitment is typically one evening per month for the Child Swimming Lessons at the Community Center. 2 p.m. duration of a 4-month or 8-month term. Students who participate Riley-Jacques Barn 4. Sign up your young adults for some Afterschool in the program as juniors must reapply if they wish to serve as Enjoy live theater as the Eden Prairie Players present A Collection Tennis Lessons at the Community Center. seniors. of One Acts. Tickets: $15 at the door, $13 in advance, visit 5. Bring the whole family together for an autumn 2013-2014 Appointed Students on Commissions edenprairieplayers.com. Star Watch Astronomy program at the Staring Lake Conservation Commission Observatory. Alyssa Minder Eden Prairie Art Crawl 6. Capture the colors of fall with Beginning Watercolor Sonja McPherson Saturday, Sept. 28 and Beyond classes at the Art Center. Olivia Urbanski 10 a.m.–5 p.m. 7. Get some friends together and join an Adult Flying Cloud Airport Advisory Commission Sunday, Sept. 29 Pickelball League for some fun on the court at the Peter Humbert Noon–5 p.m.

Community Center. Amanda Minder Enjoy art created by Eden Prairie residents in their personal home Derrick Te 8. Get into Zumba with classes at the studios or at the Art Center; art, jewelry and other items available Heritage Preservation Commission Community Center. for sale. Greta Colford 9. Register your child for a Nature Preschool Program Hannah Jeter at the Outdoor Center. Laura Lindberg Fall into Fitness Community Center Fitness Open House 10. Encourage school-age children to stay active after Human Rights and Diversity Commission school with Fit Kids Club at the Community Center. Chase Carlson Saturday, Oct. 5 Emily Higgins 8 a.m.–noon Karena Lin Participate in group fitness classes, tour the state-of-the-art facility, Kristina Busch meet instructors, learn about Metabolic Testing and more! Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission For more information about the Gunnar Bowman Community Center, including affordable Apple Cider-ing Brian Gilje membership options and daily use rates, Sunday, Oct. 13 visit edenprairie.org/communitycenter. 1–3 p.m. For more information, visit edenprairieliquor.org. Outdoor Center Take a lesson in old-fashioned apple cider making, learn about the history of apples and enjoy a sweet sample of cider. Cost is $7 per family. Registration is requested.

Staying Safe Art in Nature – Fall Harvest Saturday, Oct. 19 in Eden Prairie 1–4 p.m. Outdoor Center Neighborhood Watch Don’t miss this fall family fun event featuring art projects, nature walks, demonstrations, concessions and more! A strong deterrent to crime in our community is neighborhood action. The crime prevention steps you and your neighbors take as a group are just as important as the things you do individually to deter burglary, theft, vandalism and other crimes. Neighborhood Watch is a Spooky Saturday cooperative effort between police and individual neighborhoods. Saturday, Oct. 26 3–5 p.m. Benefits of Having a Crime Watch How to Get Started Community Center • Getting to know your neighbors • Find out the interest level in your neighborhood – this can be Trick-or-treating, arts and crafts, music and games! Cost is who will “watch out” done by talking with neighbors or distributing preformatted $5 per child (ages 1-10) with advance registration, or $6 at for your neighborhood. informational letters provided by the Police Department. the door – maximum of $20 per family. Admission is free for • Receiving neighborhood crime • Work with the Police Department to define the area of your parents/guardians and children under the age of 1. alerts. Neighborhood Watch – this is generally a two or three-block • Posting Neighborhood Watch area, keeping in mind that participation of at least 50 percent Halloween on the Mall signs to let criminals know of neighbors within the planned watch area is expected. you are involved. • Arrange a meeting date with a Police Department crime Thursday, Oct. 31 5:30–7:30 p.m. • Neighbors are more likely to watch your home and report prevention specialist and neighbors. Eden Prairie Center suspicious activity. • Try to determine if there are specific neighborhood issues and Bring the kids for an evening of trick-or-treating, entertainment and • Possible home insurance discounts. communicate them to law enforcement in advance of meeting. fun in the warmth and safety of Eden Prairie Center. • Safety information provided by the Police Department to • Plan on a one-hour presentation with time for questions after. help make your home and neighborhood safer. • Notify neighbors seven to 10 days in advance of the meeting date. For more information about the City of Eden Prairie calendar of events, visit edenprairie.org/calendar For more information about starting a Neighborhood Watch program, call the Eden Prairie Police Department at 952-949-6200. or call the City Center at 952-949-8300.