Board discusses ‘complete streets’ projects and safety concerns on Map Road and neighborhood developments

Board members discussed a resident-driven complete-streets project and flagged safety issues at several corridors, including a commercial exit on Map Road that a board member called “very unsafe.”

Commissioner Stacy Hetherington described complete streets as an approach that “makes the street work for everyone in all modes,” saying the Map Road effort would be considered a complete-street project and that design work is ongoing. Hetherington said the project was requested by residents and noted it is funded through a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant in the design phase.

A board member raised a safety concern about the exit from the Lenora’s corridor on Map Road, saying motorists cannot see oncoming traffic: “It’s very unsafe coming out of there,” the board member said. Hetherington acknowledged the sight-line and safety concerns and said the design process will address driveway alignment and other fixes.

The board also discussed Fishers Cove (Canner) — a recent development near a fire station — and the potential for nonconforming parking that could obstruct sidewalks. Hetherington said staff and designers are still working on driveway and parking layouts and that residents initially requested safety improvements in that neighborhood.

The discussion underscored that complete-streets projects combine safety, pedestrian and bicycle facilities with roadway work. Board members urged careful design to avoid creating blind spots where on-street parking, trees and other features could reduce visibility.