Street Ends On Park Point: Two active points of view in our community

Park Point Pedestrian Pathways Petition July 2014

We, representing the residents of Duluth, petition and request that the Duluth City Council recognize the above facts and true value of platted streets, and take the necessary official action to declare all platted streets on Park Point to be: “opened by use, for all citizens, responsibly,” and to recognize and authorize a “pedestrian pathway” to exist at every platted street to the lake and bay beaches of Lake Superior and Superior Bay on Park Point, Duluth, Minnesota.

Park Point Neighborhood Street End Coalition June 2014

City’s response to Coalition Questions:

Response from the Park Maintenance department:

Question 1.) “Upgrading, caring for and monitoring the three existing Tier Iwater accesses that are currently provided, and,”

The Park Maintenance department services trash containers along the entire point on a daily basis, 7 days per week. This area is being utilized by more and more folks and we are finding that the containers are filling up faster and faster. We maintain the amount of containers to discourage the illegal dumping which has been a very common occurrence. Beach Cleanups are normally done thru volunteer efforts as staff are additionally dedicated to many of our other fine parks. We would like the opportunity to service and maintain modern washroom facilities and the Park Point Area is definitely a priority site. Beach Grasses and other infrastructure are also of concern to us and would probably benefit from a volunteer or an adopt-a-spot group.

Response from the City Architect:

In regards to ADA compliance issues, we continue to work towards providing a universally accessible route to all our facilities, both inside and out.  Each year we progressively make improvements and although we are far from being completed, we have made significant strides.  The accessible port-a-potties are not ideal, but generally meet ADA compliance.  If we knew that there was a specific one out of compliance, we should be notified so we can address it.  If there are other specific areas within our parks that are not in ADA compliance, if I know which area(s), I can assess each particular situation and determine the best course of action.  Other than ADA items, many of the concerns and questions you highlighted in the attached document are more on Parks Maintenance responsibilities.

Question 2.)  “The scope, design and specifications for how the city plans to convert the undeveloped/paper streets into actual streets.”

Response from the City Planning Department:

Designated “Tier Two” access points shall establish in an approximately 3 to 4 block interval pattern pedestrian trail linkages to Lake and Bay Sides of Park Point from the Avenues.  Minimal improvements at the Tier two accesses may include some of the following:designating symbol, (signage), modified trail surface (gravel, sand, board or beach carpet) and screening from adjacent properties (plantings, sand fence, earth berm) garbage collection. These Tier 2 access points to will not be mentioned in pamphlets or shown on maps intended for general public distribution. 

Street Right-of-Way – A street right of way (R-O-W) includes the area above, around and under the physical street and may be used for other things including: sidewalk, trails, skyways and utilities.

Street Easement – The area on a registered Plat set aside for a street, alley, trail or other public purpose conveys what is legally known as an easement.  Owners of the land along an easement own the land the easement is on and may exercise their ownership rights.  However, that ownership is secondary to the City’s right of control of the easement for public purpose once established.

Vacation of Street – The planning commission shall review all proposed vacations, and City Council shall approve the proposed vacation, or approve it with modifications, if it determines that the street, highway or easement proposed for vacation: Is not and will not be needed for the safe and efficient circulation of automobiles, trucks, bicycles or pedestrians or the efficient supply of utilities or public services in the city.