Residents give their input on College Way reconstruction

Talk about it

WORTHINGTON — At a public meeting Monday evening, the Worthington City Council listened to concerns and comments regarding a proposal for the reconstruction of College Way.

The proposal encompassed reconstructing College Way by adding an 8-foot- wide multi-use path. Residents were given two alternatives for the multi-use path - a path ranging from 150 to 400 feet south of College Way or one more than 1,000 feet south of College Way.

The second alternative is the preferred option for Minnesota West Community and Technical College, and if Monday’s meeting was any indication, many residents are in favor of it.

Residents agreed they have small backyards and to go with the first alternative would be equivalent to having pedestrians in very close proximity to their residences.

“The college’s endorsement would be the logical way to go,” said concerned resident Bruce Lease.

With Minnesota West and the YMCA in the vicinity, College Way has been a heavily traveled route for some time now.

 One resident was not in favor of the path but said that if it had to be constructed, she wouldn’t want it “right behind her house.”

“We almost have to put a no trespassing sign now,” she added.

The initial proposal states that the path will reduce the width of College Way by 8 feet, leaving the street at 36 feet wide.

“Basically, we’re looking at eliminating parking lanes on one side,” said city engineer, Dwayne Haffield.

Councilmember hopes to reach decision by Sept. 12.

Tags: news, residents, collegeway, reconstruction