The City Council’s Law and Public Safety Committee recommended approving the Frank Street sidewalk 2-1. It now goes before Council on Tuesday afternoon and then, if approved, the normal sidewalk planning process.
Once it gets to Council there won’t be the opportunity for public comment but a strong showing of sidewalk supporters in the Council audience would go a long way. Everyone wear their Conn T-shirts!
I have worked to get a sidewalk here for many years. I hope it will soon be a reality!
Below are the minutes of the committee meeting:
Item# 13-04 Sidewalk/Crosswalk – Frank Street.
Chairperson Baldwin asked Staff to give an update on this item.
Assistant City Manager Howe gave a brief introduction on this item.
Assessment Supervisor Upchurch stated Mr. Turner requested a City initiated sidewalk on the south side of Frank Street between Norris and Brookside. He has attempted twice through petition process and has been unsuccessful. There are only two properties on the street. He pointed out the property owner most affected by this is not supportive.
Mr. Upchurch pointed out Ms. Harris’s daughter lives in New York and has indicated her mother does not want a sidewalk. He stated the daughter has indicated that the crosswalk across Brookside to the school be relocated to north side of intersection and then kids would use sidewalk on the other side of the street on Frank Street. He pointed out citizens are definitely using the south side of the street. In Mr. Turner’s video he has shown numerous pictures of the children utilizing that side of the street. He pointed out Staff is not necessarily not in favor of putting the sidewalk there but wanted to make sure the Council knew all of the facts and all of the information. He stated Mr. Niffenegger will address the crosswalk issue because Ms. Harris’s daughter was very concerned that if the City could look at relocating the crosswalk this would resolve the whole issue.
Mr. Niffenegger stated they have studied Conn Elementary many times. He pointed out this school has a crossing guard. They have studied this 3 times. Highest score of any one they have done. He stated it had 128 students crossing in the a.m. and 200 students crossing in the p.m. Staff does not recommend changing the location of the crosswalk. He feels the sidewalk would be a big benefit here.
Ms. Baldwin questioned whether sidewalks improve property values? Mr. Odom stated sometimes but it is hard to tell. Ms. Baldwin stated basically they are asking this be put in the queue for consideration and that the petition process be waived.
Mr. Upchurch stated the request is that the City put a sidewalk in this location. He pointed out they have always done residential projects by petition. They have increased the requirement to make sure neighbors really want these projects. in this case Mr. Turner is asking that the Committee exercises their authority to initiate the project without petition.
Ms. Baldwin asked if they know what the cost is.
Mr. Upchurch stated he does not have the cost. He pointed out the average cost for a sidewalk is approximately $50.00 a foot.
Mr. Maiorano questioned whether there are any immediate safety concerns being addressed and have there been safety related problems on the south side of the street where there is no sidewalk.
Mr. Niffenegger stated this school has more walkers than any school they have evaluated. He stated they encourage crossing at a location where we can control traffic. He encourages some mid-block crossing. This is happening now.
Mr. Maiorano asked do they let it leapfrog over other projects. He expressed concern on whether or not this is a safety issue.
Mr. Upchurch stated they do have money in the residential program. Can approve this as a residential petition that does not have 75%.
Mr. Odom stated he would like to report this out with no action.
Mr. Howe asked will there be a public hearing per the normal process.
Mr. Upchurch briefly explained the public hearing process.
Ms. Baldwin motioned to waive the 75% requirement for a petition and include this in the residential petition program. Will hold a public hearing as per the normal process. It was put to a vote 2-1 with Mr. Odom in opposition. By split vote the item was approved.
By split vote the Committee recommends waiving the 75% requirement for accepting a petition to include the Sidewalk/Crosswalk on Frank Street with the understanding the project would go through the normal public hearing process.
Adjournment: There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 6:42 p.m.