I want a cycle track on Washington because they are businesses on Washington and cycle tracks are good for businesses;
The trouble with comparing that NYC study to Washington Ave is that the 8th/9th Ave cycle tracks have few competitors for high-quality comfortable cycle facilities traveling in their direction. In contrast, the Washington Ave facilities have the aforementioned 2nd St facility as well as lanes on 3rd & 4th. In this sense the Washington Ave cycle tracks will be a good opportunity to measure the degree to which cyclists prefer higher levels of separation, but on the other hand, the 2nd & 3rd/4th lanes are actually much more connective than Washington (which isn't actually very connective to anything but 7 corners).
Personally, I've never bought the business access argument for cycle tracks. This type of facility is best suited for regional travel, if all you're doing is accessing a local business what is the problem with riding a nearby parallel route, then taking a cross-street to Washington and dismounting and walking the rest of the way?
Regarding the new off-ramp and freeway-widening project, I've said more than I deserve to already on Minnescraper and my blog, but I think we can all agree that it's irresponsible to construct this offramp without considering larger changes to the interchange and its surroundings.