Improving our infrastructure is an exciting topic for me. A strong infrastructure improves the sustainability of our city. It makes sure that we get water, that we don’t have to worry about sewer backups, that storm water goes where it’s supposed to and not into our basement. A strong infrastructure provides safe roads to travel on, sidewalks that allow us a safe way to walk in our city and good street lighting to keep us safe at night.
Infrastructure is a component of our city that most people don’t need to think about, and I want to keep it that way. As your councilor, I supported investments in repairs and replacements to our aging infrastructure components, such as replacing water mains and rebuilding alleys.
Infrastructure also deals with our energy sources. Right now we have four city buildings with solar arrays. Over the last eight years we have added 15 solar garden subscriptions. I would like to continue support for further projects that reduce our city’s energy use.
I also support providing a safe building for our public works staff. Right now our current building will be unsafe to occupy in a few short years. The rebar is disintegrating inside the cement support columns and the first floor. We are currently in the planning stage and hope to obtain part of the funding from the state bonding bill. Infrastructure is half of our city budget and we need a new building to support the great staff that provide important services and a shelter to store all the equipment that our city has invested in.
We can improve the access and functionality of our streets for all types of users. The future of transportation looks different than it is today, and we need to prepare our city to meet those needs. There are many changes coming to our streets in Columbia Heights. MnDoT is in the process of planning for a safer Central Avenue for all users. Metro Transit is planning a Bus Rapid Transit line for Central Avenue that will be installed in the next few years. Anoka County is making plans to update 40th Avenue to beautify and improve safety for all users. Also, our city has hired a consultant to study the safety of all residential streets in our city.
I would like to continue to serve you and help make sure our streets are safer for all users in our city.
Vote Connie Buesgens 