Minnetonka council approves Excelsior Boulevard improvement plan after debate over trail impacts

The Minnetonka City Council voted unanimously March 9 to approve the concept and order improvements for the Excelsior Boulevard improvement project (Project 27305), authorizing staff to prepare plans and begin easement acquisition.

The decision came after a staff presentation by Public Works Director Mr. Manchester, who described a concept that includes sidewalks and an 8-foot trail on both sides of the corridor and several design changes aimed at minimizing impacts to neighboring properties. "We looked at design modifications to reduce impacts," Manchester said, describing options that pull the trail closer to the roadway and reduce boulevard widths to limit property takings.

Why it matters: The project is a county road improvement meant to provide continuous pedestrian and bicycle facilities along an arterial corridor. Council members and nearby residents pressed staff over how design choices would affect private yards, trees and driveway access, and whether narrowing the roadway would reduce capacity or emergency access.

In public comment, a longtime resident who identified himself as Rob, a retired Metro Transit driver, urged the council to retain the center turn lane in at least one block. "My suggestion is that if you eliminate the center lane ... the center turn lane is really important," he said, arguing that the lane helps drivers waiting to turn and provides space for breakdowns or emergency vehicles. Residents also requested continued one-on-one outreach as final design and easement negotiations proceed.

Council members pressed staff for specifics on how much the curb line would move. Manchester said reductions vary by segment but are typically "around 4 to 6 feet" from the existing curb in constrained areas, and in some spots up to 8 feet, with the construction approach often placing the new curb inside the existing roadway to limit impacts behind the curb.

Several council members acknowledged resident concerns while stressing the broader community benefit. Council Member Calbert noted the staff'led effort to identify native plantings and preserve trees where possible; Council Member Romey called the reduced curb encroachment "good news" for impacted homeowners.

Motion and vote: Council Member Foster Bolton moved to adopt the resolution to receive the feasibility report, approve the concept layout, order the improvements and authorize preparation of plans, specifications and easement acquisition. Council Member Wilburn seconded; Miss Larson recorded the roll call and the motion carried with all members voting yes.

What happens next: Staff will complete final design details, pursue necessary easements with affected property owners, and return to council for contract award. Residents were advised to sign up for project updates on the city's project page for notifications of construction timing and outreach opportunities.