In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the proposed addition of a new commercial project, which has sparked a debate over pedestrian safety and infrastructure improvements, particularly regarding crosswalks on Commerce Drive.

The engineering department determined that adding crosswalks at suggested locations would not be safe due to sight line issues, although alternative crossing options exist approximately 200 feet away. Despite this, several commissioners expressed support for the project, highlighting its alignment with the town's 2016 Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) and its potential to create around 10 to 12 new jobs.

Commissioner Randolph raised concerns about the engineering conclusions regarding crosswalk safety, advocating for the applicant to hire a qualified pedestrian engineer to reassess the situation. He argued that the current infrastructure, including utility poles and signs, should not preclude the addition of crosswalks, suggesting that the town's standards could be overly restrictive. He emphasized that pedestrians would likely cross the street regardless of formal crosswalks, potentially creating unsafe conditions.

Other commissioners echoed Randolph's sentiments, agreeing that while the project is beneficial, further investigation into pedestrian safety measures is warranted. They noted that the absence of sidewalks on the north side of Commerce Drive could lead to unsafe crossings, particularly for those accessing nearby businesses.

The discussion culminated in a motion to recommend that the applicant explore the feasibility of a mid-block crosswalk, which would not be a condition of project approval but rather a suggestion for enhancing pedestrian safety. The motion received support from multiple commissioners, indicating a consensus on the need for further evaluation of pedestrian infrastructure in conjunction with the new development.

As the project moves forward, the town will need to balance commercial growth with the safety and accessibility of its pedestrian pathways.