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Council backs center-median layout for North Garden Street project, despite plowing and access concerns
Summary
After months of study and an open house, the City Council directed staff to proceed with layout option 2 — a narrowed street with a center median and three mid-block refuges — for North Garden Street between Second North and Fifth North, a project programmed for 2027 and largely funded by federal STP small-urban grants.
The City Council on March 18 directed staff to proceed with layout option 2 (a narrowed roadway with a center median and three mid-block refuges) for the North Garden Street reconstruction between Second North and Fifth North, with the motion passing on a 4–1 roll call.
Why it matters: The corridor connects schools, Harmon Park and the recreation center and is used by pedestrians, cyclists, emergency vehicles and through traffic. Council members said the median would calm speeds, provide pedestrian refuge and improve the corridor’s ‘‘gateway’’ appearance; public safety and multimodal access were central to the debate.
Staff and commission recommendations: The city’s Safety Commission had unanimously recommended layout option 1 (no center median) after raising concerns about driveway access and snow plowing; city engineering staff and some council members favored the median (option 2) for safety and livability. The consultant for the project is SEH; staff said both layout options come in under the city’s project budget but that the center-median option adds about $250,000 because of additional curb/gutter work.
Design elements and funding: Option 2 narrows the existing 60-foot pavement to a 44-foot cross section (12-foot travel lanes, 10-foot parking lanes, 6-foot sidewalks), adds bump-outs near Harmon Park and would include a mini roundabout at Fifth North. Staff said the project is programmed for 2027 and that the city has roughly $3.5 million in federal STP (small-urban) funding committed to the reconstruction; remaining costs and long-term maintenance implications remain part of the discussion.
Public comment and operational concerns: Resident David Snowbrook (312 North Garden Street) urged the median, citing pedestrian safety, noise reduction and neighborhood livability. Jeff Huffman, Public Works Superintendent, warned that a 14-foot driving lane would be tight for the city’s front plows (front plows are 13 feet wide without wings) and recommended designating the corridor a winter no-parking/snow-emergency route if medians are installed. Several councilors echoed that any median option should include winter parking restrictions; staff said alleys exist on both sides of the corridor and could be used for off-street parking when necessary.
Council action: A motion directing staff to proceed with layout option 2 for the North Garden Street project (Second North to Fifth North) passed on roll call with councilors Christian, Warmka, Schmitz and Mack voting yes and Council President Becker voting no. Council members asked staff to pursue low-maintenance planting options for medians, to firm up maintenance responsibilities (park or public works) and to return with detailed plans and cost estimates during design.
Next steps: Staff will direct the consultant to proceed with option 2 design work, continue environmental and permitting steps needed for federal funding, refine planting/maintenance plans and bring final construction documents and budget to council in future meetings ahead of the 2027 construction season.
