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Public hearing on Highway 14/15 layout

NEW ULM — The City Council will hold a public hearing tonight on the final layout of the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) Highway 14/15 project.

MnDOT project manager Zachary Tess will give a presentation on the plan.

The plan includes a two-lane bridge over the Minnesota River with a substructure to allow for a four-lane expansion; a two-lane bridge over Front Street designed for four-lane expansion; an interchange at the intersection at the Highway 14 and 15 intersection known as the Y intersection; a roundabout at the Highway 14 and Front Street intersection; reconstruction of Highway 14 between Broadway and Front Street; raising Highway 14 and Highway 15 above the 100 year-flood elevation; a recreational trail on the north side of the highway from German Street to the Nicollet County interchange; and removal of the existing truck station outside of town.

A special open house will be held at City Hall before the city council to give the public a chance to review the plans before the hearing. The open house is from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will be attended by MnDOT representatives.

The final report estimates the city’s share of the project will amount to $299,000.

Later in the meeting, the council will receive a report on City Manager Gramentz’ investigation into potential property acquisition for industrial park expansion. The staff has examined multiple sites to the northwest and south of the city and has started discussions with the property owner regarding sale terms. In addition, the staff has begun reviewing potential funding sources for the land.

In other news, the owners of the former Tauschek Grocery store, Kevin and Deborah Oliva, are requesting a permit for a dwelling unit on the ground floor of the historic building. At last week’s Planning Commission meeting, the Olivas requested the amendment to assist with the sale of the building.

The city designated the building a local Heritage Preservation Landmark in September 1996. Special permits were approved since then to allow for operation of a quilt shop and cooperative grocery store in the building.

The second floor of the building is already used for residential purposes. By allowing ground-floor dwellings, the building would be converted into a duplex.

The Planning Commission recommended the approval since residential units surround the property and a duplex is considered less intense than the previous commercial uses.

The council will also consider a variance request from Home Grown Properties to allow a building addition on the Sewing Seeds Quilt Co. building at 1417 S. State.

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