Politics & Government

Town Square, Roundabout, Fire Station Relocation to be Complete in 2015

City staff outlined plans for Downtown Roseville at a workshop Monday evening.

Downtown Roseville will look quite different by the end of 2015. Big changes include constructing the , a , the relocation of Fire Station No. 1 and redesigning bridges in Downtown Roseville.

During a public workshop Monday evening, city staff outlined the upcoming changes along Vernon Street and gave residents an opportunity to share concerns or praise for the plans.

The majority of comments centered on the construction of the roundabout. Some said the roundabout may discourage people from coming to Downtown Roseville. Residents also had concerns about elderly people using roundabouts, bicycles and pedestrian access. However, some praised a roundabout’s efficiency, appearance and functionality.

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Other commenters shared excitement for the Town Square. 

“This is going to grow our businesses downtown,” Scott Alvord, President of the Downtown Roseville Merchants, said. “This is exciting for the merchants downtown. It’s going to improve our economy quite a bit and get a lot more dollars spent here.”

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Over the next three years, , which is funded through money collected over time when development was booming, according to Kevin Payne, assistant director of the city's Planning and Redevelopment Department. The money cannot be used in the general fund and must be used for capital improvements, Payne said.

Here’s a quick look at the changes ahead for Downtown Roseville:

Town Square

Highlights of the Town Square include an all-ages interactive water playground, a rain garden, fire pit, stage, and a space that will allow for farmers markets, concerts, street fairs and other events.

The Town Square is estimated to be finished in February 2013.

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Roundabout

Roseville City Council approved funding for a roundabout to be constructed at the Oak Street and Washington Boulevard intersection.

The roundabout would be mostly two-lanes and would allow traffic to flow more efficiently, calm traffic and add character to the area. Rhon Herndon, acting director of Public Works, said roundabouts also have lower accident rates and less vehicle emissions. The roundabout would be complete in winter 2013.

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Phase 1 Streetscape/Infrastructure

Phase 1 includes streetscape and infrastructure improvements including water line upgrades, a sewer line project, storm drain improvements, landscaping, the widening of Lincoln Street and intersection enhancements.

When Phase 1 is complete, the area will be capable of supporting future development, said Bill Aiken, an administrative analyst with the City of Roseville.

Bridges

Part of Downtown changes includes the re-design of three bridges: The replacement of the current Icehouse Bridge in Downtown Roseville (this may be re-located and re-used near the main library), a bridge providing a link from upper Royer Park to Downtown Roseville, and a bridge linking Downtown Roseville and lower Royer Park.

The City of Roseville will hold a design contest to ask for public input on the bridges’ construction.

Fire Station No. 1 Relocation

The Roseville Fire Station No. 1 will be relocated to Lincoln and Oak streets and plans to be complete in 2015.

The current station on Oak Street blocks access to Royer Park and Dry Creek and the relocation frees up land and allows the city to make the creek and park more accessible.

Payne said in researching the new location, staff took into account response time, access and design.

Downtown Roseville Timeline:

May 2012 – Construction started
February 2013 – Town Square to be complete
March 2013 – Phase 1 to be complete
Winter 2013 – Roundabout to be complete
2014/2015 – Bridges and bike trails to be complete
2015 – Fire Station No. 1 relocation to be complete
End of 2015 – Projects to be complete


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