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Two Harbors Forum Archives Local Topics & Issues Archives Pedestrian Cross Walks Hwy 61 and City Streets

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Two Harborite

Posted on Tuesday, November 25, 2003 - 06:40 pm:

Does anyone ever think of stopping when a pedestrian is in a cross walk on highway 61 in town or any other cross walk in town?

Come on people, let's get with it. People do walk and they do have the right of way in cross walks. Let's start looking and stopping for them.

Hi Fi Kenny

Posted on Tuesday, November 25, 2003 - 07:22 pm:

Is this a question about that Beatles album?

Local

Posted on Monday, December 15, 2003 - 05:23 pm:

The local cops could monitor the speed of traffic on highway 61 in town - some people move pretty fast.

FYI

Posted on Saturday, December 20, 2003 - 06:26 pm:

Ok for the record there is only a maxium of 2 Two Harbors police officers on the Road at any one given time. More times than no only 1. The County Police are stretched also. Pedestrians would be well serviced to pay attention when crossing the street.

Street Wize

Posted on Saturday, December 20, 2003 - 07:33 pm:

Two Harborite is just concerned that he doesn't have enough time to get his wheelchair from Judy's to the Liquor Store and back before freezing to death.

Two Harborite

Posted on Tuesday, December 23, 2003 - 10:06 pm:

FYI, most of us pedestrians try that - but it's damm hard to walk across streets in designated crosswalks when some frikken idiots don't have the brains to slow down for pedestrains and drive like the have their head up their asses.

Two Harborite

Posted on Tuesday, December 23, 2003 - 10:07 pm:

Street Wize, the only thing that concerns me is that I don't freeze my nuggies - the hell with the rest of it.

TH'er

Posted on Monday, January 05, 2004 - 07:55 am:

I grew up with a dislike for tourists. We used to say things like, "If they call it tourist season, shouldn't we be able to hunt them?" Being alot older and hopefully a little wiser and kinder, my attitude has changed. Oh, they can still be annoying, but they, as well as our local residents are deserving of our courtesy at the very least. This courtesy should extend to letting folks get across the darn street. Every day of summer I see visitors waiting to cross 7th Ave. up by the Vanilla Bean area. No stoplight there, and no one will give them a break and let them cross. I have seem some just give up and get back in their cars and leave. Like them or not, they just drove away with their money still in their pockets. What a waste. I am thinking we need some big flashing crosswalk lights at that particular corner, or else add another traffic light. I think the extra traffic light would be overkill, but something needs to be done to help folks get across that street.

Citiboy

Posted on Monday, January 05, 2004 - 08:43 am:

One of the DOT's proposals under consideration for alleviating the congestion on 7th Avenue - particularly on weekends - is to make the entire stretch through town two lanes in either direction... with no parking at all, or at least not during specific, posted hours of peak traffic.

To allay concerns of local business and citizens, this would also involve the acquisition of several 7th Avenue business or residential properties, to provide municipal parking lots on either side of the road, so that visitors and local alike would be able to park within a block (or two, at most) of their intended destination.

As these parking lots would be locate on both sides of 7th, (perhaps two on either side?), there would probably be a reduction in pedestrian traffic trying to cross the roadway as well...

Please keep in mind that this is just one of several ideas under consideration at this time... and is by no means under active development at this time! Just another option being considered!

Aside: maybe some of the structures purchased and removed under such a program, could be relocated to some of the vacant lots in town, and resold to provide a) a recovery of the moving expenses, and b) additional affordable housing to the community?.....

TH'er

Posted on Monday, January 05, 2004 - 08:04 pm:

I like part of that idea. Maybe they could tear down that eyesore that used to be Roy's Shell. That would be a good start. It could be a parking lot for something besides broken lawnmowers and snowblowers.

Citiboy

Posted on Monday, January 05, 2004 - 08:16 pm:

TH'er, from what I've been told, he's been issued enough citations to wallpaper the place: Maybe someone ought to let him know that not every "citation" is the type that's suitable for framing...

TH'er

Posted on Monday, January 05, 2004 - 09:50 pm:

Two Harborite

Posted on Tuesday, January 06, 2004 - 07:08 pm:

I remember when they cut down all the nice trees on 7th Avenue - now it looks like crap. No parking, two lanes - gosh what a bunch of intelligent MNDOT Engrs. Never will be the same.

John Birch

Posted on Tuesday, January 06, 2004 - 10:12 pm:

I think that was because of dutch elm disease...

Insomniac

Posted on Wednesday, January 07, 2004 - 03:15 am:

Oh for crying out loud! I remember that too. I almost cried when I saw those old trees coming down. You are right about it never being the same. Things just don't stay that way, do they? Those idiots widened 7th Avenue to the size we have today. That was also when they replaced the old incandescent street lamps and when those fools added the stoplights at the Dairy Queen and Texaco corners. MNDOT must have realized that the old 7th Avenue would not handle the traffic. The additional stoplights were sure nice. Those were elm trees they cut down and you know they would have had to go eventually anyway. So what are you saying there Two Harborite? MNDOT could have saved some of the old character of Two Harbors and just routed all the traffic AROUND the city altogether. Just think, the 7th Ave. business area would look just like 1st Ave. EMPTY! If anyone wants a reminder of old 7th Ave., just take a look at the 500 block of 3rd Ave. The trees, the street size. Then imagine the traffic volume of present-day 7th Ave. You of all people, with your desire for development and improvement in our City. Progress does not come without a price. We can't turn back the clock, reduce the traffic volume, etc., etc., etc. We CAN try to solve the problems and challenges of today and those projected for the future.

TH'er

Posted on Wednesday, January 07, 2004 - 12:34 pm:

Good points there Insomniac. Kind of hard to turn the clock back on that stuff.

69in71

Posted on Saturday, January 17, 2004 - 06:55 pm:

Citiboy - perhaps we can take care of two or three problems at once. What if the City used some of their land north of CSAH #26, built a large steel building and divided it it half (add large fenced storage areas to the rear where they can't be seen). BUT, only build it after the City has negotiated a property/building exchange with Hansen Power Equipment and Seventh Avenue Auto. The buildings could be torn down and parking areas created. (We get rid of two eye sores and alleviate some parking problems). I know, someone will bring up the possibility of both sites being contaminated. Okay, we either live/die with the contamination, by doing nothing, or it gets cleaned up. P.S. Why don't you propose that we name the road between 15th Street and CSAH #26 "BATTAGLIA BOULEVARD" It might get you on the old boy's good side!

OH Boy

Posted on Saturday, January 17, 2004 - 10:03 pm:

Hell while we are at it rename Two Harbors to Battaglia village. I think thats the only thing that would make him happy.

Very Least of the Problems

Posted on Saturday, January 17, 2004 - 10:18 pm:

Ok the amount of Trees in Two Harbors are the very least of our problems. Beside I'm sure the Tree commission is all over it. At least they should be with a $100,000 grant for a chipper, some tree counting software and training to use the said chipper.

bassman

Posted on Sunday, January 18, 2004 - 12:23 am:

Never will forget the wood chipper used in the movie "Fargo", now that was a chipper.

Street Wize

Posted on Sunday, January 18, 2004 - 04:30 pm:

Maybe Two Harbors could hire the people that used to live here (and still have all the answers), and now come back for a summer visit, go out to HWY 61 and flag. They could use the uniforms from the Minnehaha since the kids are not in school.

TH'er

Posted on Sunday, January 18, 2004 - 07:30 pm:

Too bad old Frank Parker isn't around anymore. He did a fine job directing traffic.

Two Harborite

Posted on Monday, January 19, 2004 - 05:24 am:

TH'er, yes he did ~ considering all things.

webman

Posted on Monday, January 19, 2004 - 07:29 am:

I remember when the Sherrif's Dept. made Frank an honorary deputy and gave him a big, oversized badge. I think he was 10 feet tall for the rest of his life. He really was a good-hearted guy and he took his self-assigned job seriously.

Street Wize

Posted on Monday, January 19, 2004 - 08:41 am:

And the jokes Frank use to hand out on 3x5 cards, too funny. He was good-hearted.

69in71

Posted on Tuesday, January 20, 2004 - 09:55 pm:

Two Harborite - Back to your question that started this thread. Yes, I do stop. I am also very conscious of the car behind me, because the first time I stopped a Canadian passed me on the right and almost took out a family that was crossing. If you have the answer, and I'm not trying to be a smart ass, put it in writing in the Forum. I know some of the cops are reading it and I would like to think that they would try any decent suggestions.

Two Harborite

Posted on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 05:18 am:

If the policemen, deputies, troopers enforced the traffic speed on highway 61 within the City of Two Harbors - crossing 7th avenue would not be as hazardous. I honestly don't think the people have any idea of what is supposed to happen within the confines of those two white lines that run across the highway at various locations along 7th avenue and other streets.

Next time you want to live on the wild side, try crossing 7th avenue around 7.30 a.m. to 8.30 a.m., or 11.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. or better yet, 4.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.

A lot of communities post signs on the edges of town reminding the driving public about pedestrian cross walks. Not a bad idea - hello Two Harbors City Council.

Thanks. I hope one of them reads this, better yet I hope they all do.

Trixie

Posted on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 07:32 am:

I think those faded white lines just aren't visible enough. Maybe something in a nice florescent orange? Maybe a flashing light at the corner? And the reminder outside of town would be an excellent idea too. I have nothing against semi drivers, some of my best friends are semi-drivers, but the way they rip through this town sometimes frightens me. If they make the first light its balls to the wall to make sure they hit all of the other ones on the green also. Maybe a couple reminders in the local paper so the locals remember to stop at crosswalks? Its a fairly new concept for this town and we know how hard it is to make changes here. Another idea is not to allow parking in the spots closest to the crosswalk. If there are cars there they can block the view and all the drivers see are more parked cars. Open it up so its real obvious that something is different in that spot. Hey! I think this is actually a problem we can really get solved! :-)

Two Harborite

Posted on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 09:59 pm:

Great ideas! Thanks

shield supporter

Posted on Thursday, January 22, 2004 - 03:21 pm:

You think traffic/pedestrian safety is bad now?
Just think what it will be like if they allow development on Lighthouse Point (current plan is 120 units). The streets will have to handle an extra 2000+ vehicles per day.
Where did that number come from? Its a guess, but the Bridgeway expansion at Superior Shores (70 condos, 70 unit motel), by their own estimation as contained in their EAW will see 2100 vehicles per day during the week and 325 vehicles per hour during peak time saturday afternoon.
Something to think about as we consider development downtown. Is our infrastructure equipped to handle it, or will the taxpayers be required to build new, bigger roads?
This is just one of many reasons why the Shield group has requested an EAW be performed before we give the green light for development. An EAW forces a developer to answer such pertinent questions such as "how much traffic will the development generate, and how we it be mediated?".

Reality

Posted on Thursday, January 22, 2004 - 03:54 pm:

News flash!! The traffic is gonna get worse if the point is developed or not. Try not to blame all the problems of the world on Sam Cave. It is time to develop the infrastructure with an eye on the future.

Two Harborite

Posted on Thursday, January 22, 2004 - 05:36 pm:

Shield that is not going to be a problem if the city, MN DOT, and law enforcement along with drivers learn that they must yield to pedestrians in cross walks. Law enforcement just needs to 'enforce' a long standing Minnesota statute. Maybe a few less cups of coffee at Blackwoods, eh guys.

If you drive a car you should know that basic law. people first, cars second. Simple principle.

Mr. Cave will be successful in time. Even though these minor road blocks are being thrown before the project - he has case law from around the country which will allow his project to move forward. After all, he owns the land. That's over one-half of the battle.

Reality, I agree.

Chief Hogenson

Posted on Wednesday, February 11, 2004 - 09:02 am:

TWO HARBORITE - Read your message on crosswalk signs. The matter was put on fast forward and soon, signs should be going up on State Road #2 and both ends of city limts on 7th Avenue. The signs will be the new style, large, yellow & red "Yield to Pedestrians".
TRIXIE - SORRY, MnDOT said that crosswalks have to be white - they did mention trying new material/paint so that the markings last longer. Also, we tried to get pedestrian activated yellow flashing lights for two crossings - MnDot said no. Still under consideration: yellow flashing lights that are timer activated and can be set for two separate times during the school year and two other times during the tourist rush.
Any other ideas? Write them down. If you happen to see Councilor Brad Jones and Dale Wick (City employee) thank them for putting this project on the front burner.

Two Harborite

Posted on Wednesday, February 11, 2004 - 02:35 pm:

Hokie..It's basically lousy drivers who don't want to or don't see pedestrians. That is the whole problem.

Thanks for your input.

Chris Swanson

Posted on Thursday, February 12, 2004 - 05:00 pm:

I would like to get a straw poll from our community members as to what streets or sidewalks need to be fixed first. Better yet, please send me your emails with things that you would like to see fixed in Two Harbors. Also, I am open to suggestions for improvement of any city facility or parks and recreation facilities. This includes all city property and buildings.

All emails will remain confidential unless you choose to disclose your name.

Let's Talk

Chris Swanson
Alderman At Large
Two Harbors City Council

swansoch@hotmail.com

webman

Posted on Friday, February 13, 2004 - 07:03 am:

Thanks for posting Chris.

How about replacing the big archway sign over Waterfront Drive down on First Ave? Why was it taken down anyway? I miss that big sign.

webman

Posted on Friday, February 13, 2004 - 07:20 am:

Glad to hear the news on the new signs. It is a good start. So are the folks at MNDot just stingy, or is there a genuine reason they refuse to consider the flashing yellow lights? Is there an option for someone else paying for them?

Here is one of my "Down South" stories:

Once upon a time . . . . . . .

I lived in a town in the South, far, far from here . . . . . . Wal-Mart (surprise) came in and built a new store. There was also a new grocery store and sort of a strip mall next to it. There was no stoplight at the intersection leading to all of this. It was on the main thoroughfare. Wal-Mart and the other store owners asked ARDot to put in a traffic light. They first said no, then when pushed agreed to study the situation. After counting cars for a while, they again said no. This even after the car count showed how many thousands of cars went through the area each day. Throughout this time there was the occasional fender-bender at the intersection. When the final "no" was given, Wal-Mart and the other store owners offered to pay for the stoplights (they were only around $12,000) and the State still said no. Finally someone got killed and a couple of other folks were badly injured in yet another accident there and the State finally conceded that yes, a stoplight might not be a bad idea. DUH!!!! Damn idiots!

I feel the same way about now we handle our intersections and crosswalks here in Two Harbors. I know that drivers should pay attention and yield right of way to pedestrians and all that good stuff. But they don't.

I think anything we can do to draw attention to the fact that there are crosswalks and that drivers are expected to yield is an improvement over the present situation.

T�re

Posted on Friday, February 13, 2004 - 07:26 am:

Good lessons there.

As to the big archway over Waterfront Drive, I'm really glad that thing is down, and I hope its not going back up. I thought of it as an "view obstructor" and a symbol of the Railroad, which I see in a less and less favorable light these days.

webman

Posted on Friday, February 13, 2004 - 07:34 am:

Hmmmm. Never thought of it that way. Good point. Thanks

69in71

Posted on Monday, February 16, 2004 - 12:57 am:

The sign was taken down - before it fell down. The upper portion has been repaired - look at the metal standards still in the ground - don't know if they can ever be repaired. I agree - I like the unobstructed view.

StreetWize

Posted on Tuesday, February 17, 2004 - 10:25 am:

I was missing the sign when it was first taken down. Now, I think it would be better placed somewhere else. It is nice to see the lake.

TH'er

Posted on Friday, February 27, 2004 - 08:57 am:

Hey, Just yesterday I noticed the new yellow sign that says motorists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks. Thanks. I hope it helps.

Two Harborite

Posted on Monday, March 01, 2004 - 05:21 am:

Hey, I just got back into town after being gone - thanks for the pedestrian sign on the west edge of town. Looks great!

Two Harborite

Posted on Monday, March 08, 2004 - 06:42 pm:

Interesting to know the signs are up, but it would be a heck of lot nicer if people would have the brains to stop for pedestrians in the cross walks. Come on Two Harbors wake up.

StreetWize

Posted on Tuesday, March 09, 2004 - 05:50 pm:

Two Harborite, do you think that more than just people from T/H use the streets? Everyone needs to wake up & slow down!

Two Harborite

Posted on Wednesday, March 10, 2004 - 05:19 am:

StreetWize - hell no, I wasn't born yesterday. But when I am out walking I observe the "many" people who fail to stop for pedestrians in the cross walks here in town. Not cool

wondering

Posted on Wednesday, March 10, 2004 - 08:03 pm:

If I type all my posts in boldface....will that make my point of view more important than the others....or will it just make me look self-righteous??

TH'er

Posted on Wednesday, March 10, 2004 - 08:12 pm:

good question

Two Harborite

Posted on Thursday, March 11, 2004 - 05:15 am:

Wondering and TH'er - and your point is? Who the hell died and left you in charge?

StreetWize

Posted on Thursday, March 11, 2004 - 08:33 am:

Two Harborite, r u always this crabby?

Two Harborite

Posted on Thursday, March 11, 2004 - 07:36 pm:

StreetWize, nope - actually I'm a pretty cool dude. Hey, wassup man?

StreetWize

Posted on Friday, March 12, 2004 - 04:29 pm:

Two Harborite, I guess we have something in common...scary!

webman

Posted on Friday, March 12, 2004 - 04:33 pm:

That's right - kiss and make up.

murry

Posted on Tuesday, April 13, 2004 - 10:27 am:

Well now, I understand that the traffic is getting a little "harry" in TH. Try living in a city of 3.5 million and crossing the street! It is an impossibility! Crosswalks or not, no one stops for you unless you are carrying a large firearm.
Just do what Frank Parker used to do...Walk out into the street (on a green light, of course) with your hand bravely lifted to stop any oncoming traffic!

webman

Posted on Tuesday, April 13, 2004 - 10:31 am:

Excellent point murry - Frank Parker was a traffic control god!

And a big welcome to you too!!

69in71

Posted on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 08:30 pm:

SIGNS ARE DOWN (except on State Road) - MnDOT said it is their highway and they didn't approve the signs!

Two Harborite

Posted on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 05:48 am:

That sucks.

Walker NOT A Ranger

Posted on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 03:31 pm:

Well let's get some damn signs up there on the highway - pedestrians need and demand safety. Hello city councilor - if this is true, what can be done about it.

everywhere a sign

Posted on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 05:59 pm:

Yup....we could sure use some more signs.

Footonbrake

Posted on Saturday, April 17, 2004 - 04:49 pm:

We need more Stop signs! (not)

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