07/14/1980 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Kathryn Bjurling, 823 Jerry Street, stated there are only five houses on Jerry Street, one of which is vacant. She does not see a point in installing sidewalks at this time. e Marie Webb, 3255 Royal Avenue, stated that the bike path is sufficient for pedestrian/bicycle use. They have a large yard for children to play in and she feels that_children will continue to walk on lawns, even if sidewalks are available. There is a bus every half hour going each way, but only two people are on the bus at anyone time. She does not think sidewalks are needed. Debbie Johnson, 3337 Royal Avenue, stated that sidewalks are a waste of money and time as they are not needed and will not be used. They have put a good deal of money into landscaping and their driveway. Most people in that area are elderly and she questions whether they will be able to afford $2,000+ for financing sidewalks. There being no further testimony, public hearing was closed. Joe Hessler stated that sidewalks are recommended in that area because Fairfield School is on Royal Avenue. This would be going along with the School District 4-J recommendation. In most cases, the trees seem to be far enough back that they will not be eliminated because of the sidewalks. They do not feel it is acceptable to have people walking in the street. This is the first phase of the program' and the intent is to have sidewalks in most city areas. Kirk McKinley noted that Richard Street, Richard Lane, and Jerry Street are not recommended by the Planning Commission to have sidewalks. ' Ms. Miller asked if the bike path on Royal Avenue is striped and e whether there is financing assistance for the elderly. Mr. Hessler responded that it is striped and some assistance is available such as deferral or extension of payments. Mr. Hamel asked for the time1ine , for sidewalks to be constructed on Royal; Mr. Hessler responded that it would be next construction season~ Mr. Lieua11en asked if this . would be financed solely by the property owners or if it would be a shared cost with the City. Mr. Hessler responded it would be at the property owners' expense. Mr. Haws asked what the determination was for deciding which areas would have sidewalks constructed first. ~. Hessler responded those deemed most important would be done first and they would work their way down to those that are of lesser importance. ~. Haws asked if every street would have a sidewalk or just those around schools and shopping centers. ~. Hessler responded that all streets would have sidewalks, with the exception of limited-access arterials. In response to Councilor Obie's question regarding LTD's justification for requesting sidewalks, George Montoya, LTD, stated that there were no references in their study about sidewalks increasing ridership. They do, however, have an ongoing program of putting in sidewalk extensions. ~. Hessler noted that LTD use is only a part of the reason for sidewalks; another part is student safety and constructing sidewalks in commercial areas to aid people getting to and from work. Mr. Farah noted that sidewalk use in industrial areas is needed to encourage various 'alternative transportation modes, not just by LTD. e 7/14/80--12