I was recently talking to a friend of mine that is a member of the East Harriet Neighborhood Group about the Lyndale Avenue “beautification” project (link is a PDF) in Minneapolis, between Lake Street and Minnehaha Parkway. 

I have been hearing about this project for several years. Its been somewhat of interest to me because Sunny and I live one block off Lyndale and having a more parkway-esque would be great for many reasons.

Drivers now blaze up and down Lyndale as if its 35W.  I can hear the booming systems often enough at night.  And cars turn on 37th street going about 45 miles an hour, with their cell phone in one hand, and a sandwich in their other.

Honestly I am not sure if the parkway feeling will really “slow” things down.  It would be nice to be able to cross the street without fearing the permit carrying, text messaging, booming system, pre occupied drivers though! I sound like my mom! I guess I am a true dad.

The mission:

Revitalize South Lyndale as a strong, safe, city neighborhood avenue that encourages long term livability, strengthens neighborhood identity, renews community connections and serves as a model for a 21st century urban transportation system. 

Whats your thoughts folks? Will this bring the community together? And um, where will that traffic go?  Next up, reconstruction projects for Grand Avenue (Minneapolis) and Bryant Avenue…