ELECTRIC RAPID BUSSES ON BOTTINEAU BOULEVARD INSTEAD OF RAIL
This is a much more practical & cost-effective solution to best utilize our existing infrastructure. BRT will increase our rapid transportation solutions without the significantly intrusive physical impacts associated with widening the boulevard for LRT. Bottineau Boulevard would retain its natural landscaping, mature trees; & therefore not be widened to include two sets of rail tracks inside of an expanded 4 lane highway. I believe the BRT solution better fits our community for the present & the future.
UPDATE & ENHANCE ALL PEDESTRIAN CROSSING ALONG BOTTINEAU BOULEVARD TO IMPROVE THE PEDESTRIAN EXPERIENCE FOR WALKERS & CYCLISTS; BETTER CONNECTING BOTH SIDES OF ‘TOWN’
Robbinsdale’s population is nearly equal on each side of Bottineau Boulevard. The highway truly does bisect the city geographically. West of 81 is the downtown ‘district’. East of 81 are the city’s most prominent parks, trails, & lakes. Instead of widening the highway & adding rail traffic, I feel the future of Robbinsdale is best served by stronger & better marked pedestrian connections across Bottineau (especially at 36 th & 40 th -42 nd Avenues). New traffic calming measures in conjunction with Robbinsdale PD would ideally also be highly preferred.
INVEST IN & CONTINUE TO ENHANCE OUR PUBLIC SPACES, PARKS, TRAILS, & THEIR OVERALL CONNECTIVITY
Downtown Robbinsdale has an authentic human scaled environment; something nearly every Twin Cities suburban city is now trying to mimic. It is a truly irreplaceable historic community asset. I believe we should prioritize better connecting downtown to all of the other amazing walkable/bikeable areas of the city using well-marked pathways. Residents should be able to enjoy these assets as seamlessly & with as much comfortability as possible. This initiative will also tie into the parks master plan which is currently in its early development stages at City Hall.
CONTINUE ROBBINSDALES REDEVELOPMENT BASED ON THE STRONG SMALL BUSINESS FUNDAMENTALS WHICH HAVE BEEN WELL ESTABLISHED & PRESERVED
Our ‘Main Street’ is wonderful, but has potential to become even better. There are sites along West Broadway & Hubbard Avenues (among others) which are prime opportunities for redevelopment. Given the successful sweat equity our local small businesses have already established in Robbinsdale; its only right for the city to continue to promote this redevelopment based upon those same existing fundamentals. The goal should be to attract complimentary new businesses. This will enhance the city as a whole, while promoting the uniqueness & allure of life in Robbinsdale. We are the only 1 st ring Twin Cities suburb with a historic Main Street & notable small-town feel. This should be more recognized as our competitive advantage to other suburbs. I would also advocate for officially designating a core section of West Broadway: ‘Main Street’ or ‘The Birdtown District’, etc.
INCREASE THE PROMOTION OF DOWNTOWN ROBBINSDALE THROUGH NEW EVENTS. CREATING MORE ORGANINC COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNIIES FOR RESIDENTS
In order to attract new small businesses & measured redevelopment; distinct local events & street fairs should be established to showcase Robbinsdale to other Twin Cities residents. In 2023 the ‘Wheels of Italy on Broadway’ was a fantastic & successful event. The concept of closing West Broadway between 41 st & 42 nd created a wonderful atmosphere for a few hours on a summer Sunday afternoon. Events like this are a great way to promote a stronger sense of community & encourage residents to come out and meet their extended neighbors of our wonderful community setting. There is plenty of untapped potential to be realized through the thoughtful promotion of Robbinsdale.
ENCOURAGE MORE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT FROM ALL MEMBERS, AND CONTINUE TO BUILD UPON ROBBINSDALES MOST GUIDING ASSET; OUR SOCIAL DIVERSITY
In Robbinsdale there is no lack of outstanding people from diverse cultural backgrounds. This is another aspect that truly sets Robbinsdale apart from some other suburban areas. Our strong multiculturalism keeps things interesting, fun, fresh, new, & dynamic. Promoting Robbinsdale as an authentically diverse, welcoming, multicultural, historic, small-town suburb with a strong sense of community should also be prioritized. All residents from all backgrounds should feel compelled to become more engaged locally for the collective & expanding success of our city.
SUPPORT LOCAL INITIATIVES & OFFICALS WHO PROVIDE ROBBINSDALE RESIDENTS WITH ONGOING PUBLIC SAFETY
Over half of the city’s budget annually is spent on public safety. I feel safe in our community due in large part to the consistent efforts of our local Police Department. I see them as responsible, professional, and proactive. It was a pleasure to meet with Police Chief Foley & Captain Elder recently; and I feel it is very important to support the ongoing needs of their staff & officers. Likewise, it’s critical to continue training and equipping the Police Department as necessary for continued high-level success; especially while they are significantly understaffed at this point in time. It would be my goal to increase the frequency of general communication with them via the city council relationship, & make sure they realize how much our community values their ongoing commitment to service.