At a recent Woodbury City Council meeting, residents and commissioners underscored significant traffic and pedestrian safety concerns along Century Avenue South. The discussions arose during the review of the Bailey Properties Master Plan, a substantial development project north of Bailey Road, which implicitly brings increased traffic flow into consideration. Community members specifically urged against the potential extension of Century Avenue, citing existing dangers for pedestrians and cyclists, while commissioners advocated for proactive safety infrastructure.

Janelle Erickson, a resident residing on Century Avenue South, voiced heartfelt pleas to the council, directly addressing the impact of future road changes. She specifically referred to the proposed extension of Century Avenue slated for evaluation in future plans.

Her concerns were echoed by Johnny Demay, another resident living at 1211 Century Avenue South, who emphasized the importance of inter-municipal collaboration on road safety.

Commissioner Jacob Guzik reinforced the need for enhanced pedestrian safety measures within the city's development framework. He proposed incorporating specific design elements to safeguard non-motorized traffic, aligning with the city's broader safety approach.

Commissioner Guzik also suggested integrating boulevard trees along Century Avenue, between the trail and the roadway, to improve both aesthetics and pedestrian experience. Eric, a staff member presenting the master plan, acknowledged the commissioner's suggestions.

The potential Century Avenue extension is slated for a critical evaluation as part of the city’s 2050 Comprehensive Plan, with discussions anticipated in 2027 and 2028. This long-range planning effort will assess proposed land use changes, including the conversion of certain areas from 'places to work' to low-density residential. Existing plans, such as the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, did not account for significant recent developments, including the New Life Academy land acquisition and campus expansion, which are expected to influence traffic patterns in the area and require modifications to existing plans.

The ongoing dialogue between Woodbury, Newport, and Maplewood, which has included weekly meetings for several months, further underscores the regional impact of developments along the Century Avenue corridor. Washington County design standards are also being referenced for right-of-way widths on Century Avenue, ensuring broader regional consistency in road development and safety considerations. Commissioners also expressed approval of the plan's emphasis on green infrastructure, with Commissioner Marsha Kennedy noting, "And then the landscaping, I was pleased to see so much green focus on that... We don't want to be a concrete jungle." The integration of green spaces, landscaping, and pedestrian connectivity remains a key priority in current and future development.