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Ordinance committee sends GTI crosswalk plan to DPW, asks mayor to use cannabis impact fees
Summary
Committee agreed to move forward on a new crosswalk across North Canal Street near the GTI building and asked DPW to pursue implementation and the mayor to appropriate cannabis mitigation funds if feasible.
The Ordinance Committee instructed the Department of Public Works to develop an implementation plan for a new pedestrian crosswalk across North Canal Street near the GTI building and asked the mayor to consider using cannabis impact (mitigation) fees to pay for the work.
The crosswalk petition, filed by Councilor Jose (filed name in record) and Councilor Jenny Rivera, followed repeated constituent concerns about pedestrian safety at a commercial block that now includes a cannabis business and a storage facility. The city engineer’s review said an Americans with Disabilities Act‑compliant installation will require sidewalk ramps and detectable warning strips at both ends, and the construction may trigger a public hearing under local code prior to physical work.
Councilors and staff discussed funding. Councilor Vagan moved (motion recorded on the transcript) to ask the law department to advise whether cannabis mitigation fees can pay for the crosswalk and to refer the project to DPW for implementation planning. City Solicitor Michael Bissonnette recommended sending the order to DPW for an implementation recommendation and sending a letter to the mayor to appropriate funds from the cannabis impact account if legally allowable.
The committee approved the referral and request by roll call, with a unanimous 5–0 committee vote. Members noted the project will require ADA‑compliant ramps and coordination with the city engineer on right‑of‑way and potential sidewalk work, and that DPW must identify a funding source for construction.
