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RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CITY OFFICIALS TO EVALUATE OPTIONS FOR THE CREATION OF SHARED STREETS IN DULUTH, MINNESOTA.
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CITY PROPOSAL:
BY COUNCILOR FILIPOVICH:
WHEREAS, due to reasons of topography, waterways, bedrock and wetlands, physical space and the public ways traversing those physical spaces are of inestimable importance in the City of Duluth; and
WHEREAS, activating and creating safe outdoor environments for people to converse, congregate, travel, and market goods can be achieved through more effective design of existing rights-of-way; and
WHEREAS, the concept for "Shared Streets," as introduced by the National Association of City Transportation Officials, has been shown to create new opportunities for additional foot traffic, help to increase commerce and stimulate local business activity, and create new spaces for recreation, socializing, and leisure; and
WHEREAS, Duluth's future success depends on creating a sustainable, safe and forward-thinking built environment for all people; and
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 Pandemic has highlighted the need and desire for businesses to have safe, functional outdoor space options; and
WHEREAS, the Imagine Duluth 2035 Comprehensive Plan identifies the City's desire to execute the following policies:
Policy #1 - Improve street conditions to function better for everyone
Policy #2 - Add to the transportation network by systematically enhancing multi-modal options
Policy #3 - Improve system conditions and connections in and between downtown and Canal Park
Policy #4 - Base decisions about transportation infrastructure primarily in the context of improving city and neighborhood vitality, and not in automobile through traffic
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Duluth City Council request that City Administration evaluate options under existing laws and ordinances that would allow for the creation of Shared Streets in the city, and as permissible, identify cha...
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