Politics & Government
Hudson City Council Urges Action on Stillwater Lift Bridge
The Hudson City Council passed a resolution urging the U.S. Congress to take action on the Stillwater Lift Bridge.
At its meeting on Monday, Feb. 7, 2011, the Hudson City Council voted unanimously in favor of Resolution 2-11, which petitions the United States Congress to resolve existing issues with the St. Croix River Crossing Project.
On Oct. 15, 2010, the National Park Service determined that the proposed project would have "direct and adverse effects" on the lower St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, and thus would be in violation of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.
The resolution requests that Congress exempt the project from the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, so that construction may begin as soon as possible.
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Mayor Alan Burchill noted that the resolution has support from several lawmakers.
"This is the same resolution that was discussed at a town hall meeting we had with Rep. Kind last week," Burchill said.
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Lee Wyland, District 4 alderman, suggested that the wording be changed slightly to encourage the construction of a new bridge while leaving the current in place.
"Why tear apart what is working? Leave the current bridge as is," Wyland said.
Council members Mary Yacoub, Randy Morrissette and Scot O'Malley all disagreed. Morrissette said that he believed the council should use the exact language discussed with other lawmakers.
O'Malley noted that he believed changing the language would impede their chances with the resolution.
"I believe that if we ask the old bridge remain, we will actually hurt our chances," O'Malley said.
In the end, the council unanimously passed (6-0) Resolution 2-11 as it was written.
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Other council news:
- Council approved (6-0) the final development plans for Mississippi Flats, a 22-unit, multi-family residential development east of O'Keefe Road and south of Mississippi Avenue.
- Council approved (6-0) applications for Operators Licenses, good through June 2012.
- Council denied (6-0) the application of Nicholas Nebur for taxicab driver's license. The council noted that their decision was based on Nebur's driving record.
- Discussion to rescind the moratorium on the construction or installation of electronic message signs was postponed until the next council meeting.
- A public hearing was set for March 7, 2011, to discuss Amendment to Zoning Code, § 255-14, OFC, uses allowed in the Office District, to allow interim or other uses deemed compatible with the existing neighborhood.
