Osseo Street Reconstruction Proposal Snubbed By Neighbors
A proposed street and sidewalk improvement plan in Osseo is being snubbed by some neighbors. The 2020 Street Reconstruction Project would upgrade portions of 2nd Avenue NE and 3rd Avenue NE.
The improvements call for sidewalks, and based on evaluation and feedback gathered at the October 28, 2019 council meeting, a new five-foot path with a four-foot boulevard is proposed on the east side of both 2nd Avenue NE and 3rd Avenue NE.
“We’ve added sidewalks to increase the walkability of the city on every street project we’ve done,” said Mayor Duane Poppe during the October 28 Council meeting.
Osseo Street Plan Narrows Streets
If crews install sidewalks, they will have to narrow the streets to 32 feet, and that’s not sitting well with some residents. “It doesn’t fit in our neighborhood,” said Preston Kroska. “Our streets are already small enough, and you’re gonna make them smaller just to force a sidewalk down our throat?”
Kroska started a petition to show how many residents are against the proposed plan. Some of those residents are concerned about losing space in their yard. “The project is taking place within the existing right of way, and that might affect the appearance of some properties, but it’s not affecting the actual property lines,” explained City Planner Nancy Abts.
In the end, it will be up to the city council to decide if the sidewalks are included in the plan, or get kicked to the curb. The project is estimated to cost $1,034,500.00. A hearing on the Osseo street plan will take place Monday night at Osseo City Hall. To see the whole meeting, click here.
