by Leanne Loy
A press released recently stated the public is invited to visit the Southwest Beltline Corridor Study website to learn more about potential corridor alternatives. The study website will have a narrated presentation available for review as well as the opportunity to complete a community survey and share comments on an interactive study map.
Executive Director Brian Gibson wants the community to know they do have a say in what happens moving forward.
“The survey is based on public input that we’ve already had,” Gibson stated. “We’ve narrowed it down to two alternatives the public can vote on.”
The press release also stated the St. Cloud Area Planning Organization, in partnership with St. Joseph, Waite Park, St. Cloud, Stearns County and the Minnesota Department of Transportation, is leading the Southwest Beltline Corridor Study. The purpose of the Southwest Beltline Corridor Study is to identify the purpose, need and benefits of the corridor, evaluate potential alignments, cross-sections and traffic control needs, and build support and policies to set the stage for potential future construction.
Community members can find a narrated presentation, community survey and interactive map that has been uploaded to the study website and is available for comment through Sunday, Oct. 31,as well as share their feedback, at the study website through this link: Southwest Beltline Corridor Study (arcgis.com)
As for a timeframe, “The plan will be done by the end of the year,” Gibson said. He understands some residents may feel threatened by the corridor coming through their neighborhoods. “It will only happen if they want it to happen,” he stated.
