Council directs Bay Hill pedestrian safety upgrades, asks for traffic counts before final crosswalk design

Councilmembers directed staff on July 23 to advance near‑term pedestrian safety improvements at the Bay Hill portion of the Bay Avenue corridor and to coordinate a project definition with Congressman Panetta's office so the city can access a $250,000 grant. Staff recommended solar roadway lighting and a raised pedestrian crossing with ADA ramps, curb extensions and a refuge median at Center Street, estimating $300,000–$350,000 for the crossing. Additional, smaller improvements at Hill Street (permanent higher‑quality flashing signage and a solar light estimate of $30,000–$40,000) were also proposed.

Public commenters cautioned that removing the existing free right‑turn lane or placing a refuge median could complicate left turns into nearby Riverview Terrace and asked that staff study circulation and counts. Staff agreed to provide traffic counts and noted that the $250,000 from Rep. Panetta requires a short project definition within a limited timeline. The council approved a motion to proceed with the Bay Hill lighting, striping and safety work and to pursue the congressional grant, with the Center Street raised crossing contingent on review of counts and a brief follow‑up analysis; the motion passed unanimously.