The commission received a briefing on a proposed North Main Street Corridor Safety Improvement Project — a conceptual redesign from 14 Mile to Elm with the goal of exploring road configurations, traffic calming and on-street parking options — and deferred selecting a Planning Commission representative for the project steering committee.

Planning staff said the city successfully applied for county funding to develop conceptual designs and public engagement work and that the project consultant (Giffels Webster) has completed a traffic-volume study and conceptual designs. Staff described the steering committee as composed of a council member, a planning commission member, a DDA representative, a business owner and staff liaisons; the commission was asked to appoint a representative. Commissioners discussed the project’s goals and public engagement approach; some commissioners stressed the need for rigorous data and expressed concern about pursuing pilot treatments before adequate public input and analysis.

Commissioners voted to postpone the appointment and directed staff to contact an absent commissioner (Laurent) to determine interest before the next meeting. The postponement motion passed on roll call. The commission also asked staff to ensure the steering committee’s membership is balanced and that public engagement materials (surveys and walk audits) are part of the process.

Why it matters: The corridor study could reconfigure vehicle lanes and add on-street parking, affecting downtown parking supply, pedestrian safety and traffic flow. The steering committee will advise the conceptual design and public engagement steps if formed.

Next steps: Staff will reach out to commissioners about interest in serving and schedule steering committee meetings once the membership is set. Giffels Webster will continue design work and public outreach.