At a special meeting of the Northland Pines school board recently they discussed options for improving Pleasure Island Road resulting in a consensus to meet with the Eagle River city council, who owns the road, and “have a conversation” according to board president David Weber. The road runs in front of the school complex.
Pines District Administrator Scott Foster compiled a list of five options and reminded the board the city has improved certain sections and twice applied for grants and twice were turned down.
The first option would be “do nothing” and would cost nothing but safety concerns would continue and get worse which would present a poor image for both residents and visitors.
A second option would be reconstructing the entire Pleasure Island Road costing about $1 million and would be long lasting but the entire cost would be on city taxpayers.
A third option would be to abandon the south section which is the worst part but that would eliminate a second exit route although it could be re-opended if needed.
A fourth option would be for the city to abandon the entire road thereby making the school district and other adjacent landowners bear the cost of maintaining the road including winter plowing.
A fifth option would be reconstructing the worst section from the elementary school south to Highway 45 at a cost of $226,000. This would improve safety, present a positive image, and keep a second entrance-exit.
The board authorized their Finance Committee to represent them in any city council meeting.
