In a recent public hearing held by the Saint Paul City Council, community members voiced significant concerns regarding the proposed installation of a bike lane on Concordia and Rondo Avenue. The meeting, which followed a public open house in April, aimed to gather feedback on the project, which is part of a broader street improvement initiative.

Residents expressed frustration over what they perceived as inadequate community engagement in the planning process. Candice Logan, a longtime Rondo resident, highlighted the overwhelming amount of information regarding various projects in the area, including the Rondo Land Bridge and street resurfacing, which left many community members feeling uninformed. She emphasized the need for better communication and engagement from city officials, particularly regarding safety concerns related to the bike lane.

Other residents echoed similar sentiments, calling for more transparency and community involvement in decision-making. Earl Bronow Logan urged the council to halt the bike lane project until further discussions could take place, citing potential safety hazards for both bikers and drivers. Jenna, another community member, criticized the lack of police presence and traffic control measures in the area, arguing that these issues should be prioritized over the bike lane installation.

City officials, including Council President Jalali and Councilmember Bowie, acknowledged the residents' concerns and emphasized the importance of community feedback. Bowie proposed a motion to delay the decision on the bike lane for four weeks to allow for further community engagement, but this was ultimately voted down. Instead, a two-week layover was approved, allowing for additional discussions and feedback before the council makes a final decision.

The council also addressed logistical aspects of the project, including the timeline for construction and assessments for residents. City Engineer Nick Peterson explained that the bike lane installation is tied to the overall street resurfacing project, which is scheduled for the fall. He noted that delaying the bike lane decision could impact the timeline for the entire project.

As the council moves forward, residents are encouraged to participate in upcoming meetings and engage with city officials to ensure their voices are heard in the planning process. The council's commitment to addressing community concerns reflects a growing recognition of the importance of public input in urban development initiatives.