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Commission backs TRC changes for Rice Creek Commons to reduce lighting and trail costs
Summary
The Planning Commission unanimously recommended amendments to Section 1380 (TCAAP TRC) allowing MnDOT footcandle-based streetlight spacing and reducing Rice Creek Boulevard multi-use trail minimum width from 12 to 10 feet, aligning local rules with Ramsey County standards and estimating $1.6 million in infrastructure savings.
Community Development Director Jacob Reilly presented Planning Case 26-010 proposing TRC (Section 1380) amendments for the Rice Creek Commons redevelopment. Reilly said the changes would: 1) require street lighting along Rice Creek Boulevard to meet MnDOT Recommended Footcandle Levels instead of a fixed 40-foot spacing, and 2) change the minimum multi-use trail width along Rice Creek Boulevard from 12 feet to 10 feet. The staff report noted the footcandle approach "would reduce the number of lights required from 200 to 40, resulting in infrastructure cost savings of $1,600,000 as well as long-term maintenance and operation cost savings."
Ramsey County Deputy Director for Public Works John Mazzitello told the Commission the 12-foot trail width in early TRC drafting was conceptual, and county standards support the 10-foot width for Rice Creek Boulevard corridors. Commissioners asked about trail ownership, multi-modal design and conduit for future lighting; Mazzitello and consultant Michael Kirsch confirmed the corridors are planned as multi-modal and the county is discussing conduit placement. The Commission moved to recommend approval to the City Council; the motion carried unanimously (7-0).
