In a recent West Linn City Council work session, the discussion centered around the pressing need for sidewalk projects and traffic safety improvements in the community. As council members gathered under the bright lights of city hall, the urgency of addressing these infrastructure gaps became increasingly clear.

The council reviewed a list of proposed projects, revealing a stark contrast between the number of requested sidewalk installations and the limited funding available. Out of the total projects discussed, 15 were dedicated to sidewalks, while only two focused on signing and striping. This disparity highlighted a significant shortfall in the city’s infrastructure, particularly in neighborhoods lacking safe pedestrian pathways.

Council President raised concerns about the budget allocated for safe routes, noting that the estimated costs from 2019 would likely be much higher today. The council acknowledged the community's growing demand for safer streets, especially from parents advocating for their children's safety. One specific project mentioned was the installation of sidewalks on both sides of Cornwall to Oxford, which had been highlighted by residents as a critical need.

Rick Lisonbee, a member of the transportation advisory board, contributed to the discussion by emphasizing the complexity of balancing the council's project list with urgent community requests. He pointed out the challenge of addressing immediate safety concerns without falling into a reactive pattern that could overlook broader community needs.

As the meeting progressed, the council explored recent traffic safety requests, noting that while some improvements, like painting stop signs or marking sidewalks, could be done at a relatively low cost, a comprehensive approach was necessary. The council members expressed a desire to prioritize projects that would serve the greater good, rather than simply responding to the loudest voices in the community.

The session concluded with a commitment to continue the discussion on these vital infrastructure needs, leaving council members and residents alike hopeful for a more pedestrian-friendly West Linn in the future.