Committee weighs crossing guards, curb extensions and beacons to improve crosswalk safety at Park Street and Brookdale

The committee discussed options to improve pedestrian safety at the Park Street and Brookdale Drive crosswalk, following a referral from the public works committee. Carrie explained she had observed a close call during school pickup near Crom (school) and asked the committee to consider alternatives including a crossing guard, an additional rapid rectangular flashing beacon (RRFB), painted/high-visibility markings, curb extensions (bump-outs), or a center median.

Committee members identified sightline problems created by parked cars during school pickup and said parked vehicles and high traffic speed at peak times make the crosswalk particularly risky for students. Kirsten, who walks the area frequently, said parked cars frequently block visibility and suggested flags, paint, or a RRFB as possible measures. Multiple members said a crossing guard would be an effective near-term intervention and that staff should discuss funding/staffing with district contacts.

Engineering trade-offs were also discussed: bump-outs could reduce crossing distance and improve driver awareness but may remove one or more parking spaces and require drainage adjustments; a center median could calm traffic but might be difficult to maintain in winter. One engineering suggestion was swapping the on-street parking and the bike lane so parked cars protect the bike lane and a floating bump-out could push cars back from the crosswalk. Members noted operational constraints: crossing guards require funding and staffing arrangements with the school district; curb extensions raise snow-plow and drainage concerns.

Action: The committee asked staff to raise the crossing-guard question with the district finance contact (Dale) and to pursue feasible near-term measures while considering curb extension or paint as fallback options. If crossing guards are not available, members said curb extension or other traffic-calming features are the preferred fallback.

The discussion ended with staff agreeing to follow up and report back at a future meeting.