The White Bear Lake downtown area is gearing up for a street reconstruction project that city officials say wlll rely on community input.

There will be a public hearing this week to help address potential concerns regarding the removal of parking spots and project goals.

Paul Kauppi, the Public Works director and city engineer, noted the significance of balancing the desires of downtown property owners with the needs of those who frequent the area for shopping and dining.

An initial study for the project began in March 2023. It aimed to review vehicle, transit, bicycle, and pedestrian movements in the downtown area, but it also delved into parking availability and needs, as well as concepts for public aesthetic improvements such as landscaping, lighting, and wayfinding.

Key findings from the parking study also revealed that while there is a core area experiencing heavy use of parking spots from mid-morning to mid-afternoon daily, open parking spots are available just a block or two away, Kauppi said. This initial finding and corresponding draft of the project indicated that 59 parking spots would need to be removed from the downtown area.

Kauppi said it’s important to balance the need for vehilces and foot traffic, “as everyone eventually becomes a pedestrian regardless of their mode of arrival.”

City officials emphasize that options involving parking are continuing to be refined as public input comes in and the project management team also is exploring opportunities to add parking in other areas of the downtown.

Community engagement was intended to be a cornerstone of the study, with various opportunities for input from the general public, community groups, and downtown business and property owners, city officials said.

An upcoming open house for community discussion is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, at the White Bear Lake City Hall.

“The input gathered will continue to shape the outcome of the study,” Kauppi said. The project is expected to be completed later this spring after the City Council has reviewed all draft concept designs. More information can be found on at whitebearlake.org.

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