Sidewalks in St. Louis Park Understanding Resident Perceptions and Behaviors, Effects on Property Values, and Accessibility

Abstract

St. Louis Park is a first-ring suburb in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, with varying land use patterns based on proximity to Minneapolis. The city has developed a number of plans to improve its pedestrian network, including the Connect the Park plan that identifies a six-year funding stream for implementing new sidewalks to increase connectivity, improve safety and accessibility, and enhance livability. While many residents support the City’s efforts to implement sidewalks, some have concerns related to how sidewalks could affect property values, increase crime, remove trees/green space, and create a maintenance burden for residents. In addition, City staff have also heard from residents that sidewalks will not be used because everyone drives or that streets are quiet enough for pedestrians to walk on the road. To evaluate the concerns raised by residents and measure the future impacts of St. Louis Park’s planned sidewalk and trail implementation, students from the Master of Urban and Regional Planning program at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs - University of Minnesota partnered with the City of St. Louis Park on a capstone project.