The county board transferred control of Bath Road to the city of Albert Lea Tuesday, allowing the city to pursue an Interstate 90 interchange there.

Wednesday, November 17, 1999

The county board transferred control of Bath Road to the city of Albert Lea Tuesday, allowing the city to pursue an Interstate 90 interchange there.

A resolution originally proposed in October failed to receive board approval, but was brought up again at yesterday’s meeting. As a result of the board’s decision, the county will turn over a portion of Bath Road, County State Aid Highway 20, from the south right of way line of CSAH 14 to the west right of way line of Bridge Avenue, CSAH 22.

The city had asked the county to transfer control of that portion. City leaders have insisted the interchange is needed to further economic growth, but some of the commissioners remain unconvinced.

&uot;It’s not that I’m against economic development, but I don’t believe that this is the only way to achieve those goals,&uot; said Brian Jordahl, chairman of the board and first district commissioner.

Many of his constituents have voiced concerns that the city would construct an interchange if the county transferred control of the road. &uot;As a representative, I have an obligation to vote against this,&uot; he said.

About 72 area residents signed a petition started by resident George Ehrhardt against the interchange.

&uot;We oppose it because Plaza Road makes the I-90/Bridge interchange close enough to serve increased activity there may be around the proposed interchange,&uot; the petition reads.

However, not all Freeborn County residents oppose the plan, mainly those who live on CSAH 20.

Commissioner Dave Mullenbach, fourth district, said his change of heart is the result of input from both constituents and proponents of the interchange.

&uot;I have empathy for the people who live there, but we’ve got to look at the out-of-the-box picture,&uot; Mullenbach said.

When it was originally introduced, Mullenbach was opposed to the resolution to turn a portion of CSAH 20 over to the city.

Since then, he has heard from constituents who say an interchange would ease traffic on other roads in the area. Plus, he thinks the proposed interchange would provide for more economic development.

Commissioner Dan Belshan favored the transfer because he felt it made sense financially.

The county would eventually have to set aside $2 million for upgrades to the road. However, now that is the city’s responsibility.

Plus, the county still retains the state aid dollars that can be used on other roads, Belshan said.

Regarding the interchange, Belshan is &uot;neither for nor against it. I just don’t want the county to get sucked into spending $2 million to upgrade the road when the money can be used elsewhere.&uot;

A mixture of supporters and opponents from the public voiced their opinions prior to the meeting.

Residents came out to share their concern about the impact the interchange will have on their rural lifestyle. Many were worried about the increased traffic and the safety of their children.

&uot;I’m concerned with the traffic,&uot; Julie Brackey told the board. She is concerned about the safety of the children who live on the street as well as the safety of family pets in the area.

Brackey said there have been automobile accidents in the past. She alluded that her dog had recently been injured in an accident by telling the board that the animal is currently receiving care in Iowa.

&uot;With all the traffic already going in and out, I’m really opposed to the interchange,&uot; Brackey concluded.

But city economic leaders insisted the interchange will be necessary for economic growth.

&uot;There’s going to be benefits for all,&uot; said Stephanie Brand, president of the Chamber of Commerce.

While Brand said the interchange will be a vital part of economic growth in the community, she noted, &uot;Progress is not always smooth. But this is not a country versus city issue. People who live outside urban areas often feel the growing pains when the community expands.&uot;