46th Street Bike Lane Proposal Draws Business Opposition

Businesses and residents around the intersection of 46th and Bryant are raising concerns about a plan from the City of Minneapolis to rebuild West 46th Street between Dupont and Lyndale Avenues.

The roads, covered with bumps, cracks, and potholes, haven't been extensively repaired since the 1960's, and are in need of a complete reconstruction. Construction would not start until the summer of 2013, said city spokesperson Matt Lindstrom.

The city plan envisions expanded boulevards on either side of the road, the deletion of parking spaces from one side of the road, and the installation of a bike lane. The loss of parking spaces, though, is drawing concerns from local businesses and churches.

"During rush hour, all the parking spots in front here are filled," said Guse Green Grocer owner Terry Thompson told Patch. "If they take away half those spaces, where will those people go? How will our businesses be impacted?"

Thompson said that many of her customers come to her store specifically because it is "easy, friendly—and easy to get in and out."

If customers have to start flooding the side-streets in their search for parking spots, Thompson predicted the neighborhood would protest.

Thompson said other business owners at the intersection are also worried that churchgoers at St. Luke's Episcopal Church or parents picking up and dropping off children at Sunshine Montessori School could overwhelm the reduced number of parking spaces, even when businesses were not at their peak.

Still, Thompson praised city officials for listening and seeming to take careful notes at a presentation held earlier this month for 46th Street residents and business owners.
"I'm optimistic that the city will change their plan," she added.