Parks committee asks staff to improve Monroe Avenue crosswalk, monitor for RRFBs

Alder Galvin asked the Parks and Recreation Committee on a motion carried by voice vote to have staff improve the marked crosswalk at Monroe Avenue at Saint James Park and to monitor the location for potential installation of a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon, or RRFB, in the future.

The crosswalk serves park concert attendees — many elderly — who often use a driveway-to-park path rather than the formal crosswalk. “I know it won't solve all our problems, but I think an RRFB would be something that's really gonna catch people's attention from a distance, get them to stop, hopefully, better than what they're doing currently, and, preserve life and limb,” Alder Galvin said.

Public works staff cautioned that RRFBs are typically one of several steps in a pedestrian-safety toolbox and recommended starting with higher-visibility pavement markings and pedestrian-crossing signage. Committee members discussed sight-line issues caused by a large tree north of the crossing and said the marked crosswalk should be placed where park attendees actually cross rather than requiring pedestrians to walk 100 feet to use the formal crosswalk.

Public works staff recommended using a continental crosswalk marking and adding signs closer to approaching traffic; the packet displayed to the committee summarized that recommendation as “improve the crosswalk and add some signage and and, start with that.” Committee members also discussed continuing to use a community service officer and intermittent enforcement operations during concert start and end times to encourage drivers to yield.

Committee members noted the purchase-and-installation cost for an RRFB was estimated at about $30,000 ("30 some thousand dollars"), and that if a future RRFB installation is approved it would likely require inclusion in the mayor's budget. The committee voted to refer the item to staff to proceed with the recommended pavement markings and signage and to monitor the intersection for potential RRFB installation later; the motion carried by voice vote with no roll-call tally recorded.

The discussion made clear the crosswalk work is in the city right‑of‑way and that final decisions about traffic control devices rest with public works. Committee members asked staff to consult civilian service officers next season about whether the markings and signage reduce risky crossings before advancing to an RRFB request.

Members and staff said any tree removal or pole placement required for signage will be determined during staff design and site review.