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Commission reviews pilot curb‑extensions and pop‑up placemaking for downtown intersections
Summary
Staff presented a temporary pilot to test curb extensions, planters, painted plaza areas and pollinator plantings at two downtown intersections; the pilot will be installed temporarily and surveyed before any permanent work is proposed.
City planning and public works staff described a temporary pilot program on July 15 to test curb extensions, painted crossing zones, planters and seating at two downtown intersections as a low‑cost way to calm traffic and improve pedestrian visibility.
Planning Director Jennifer Severson said the city contracted with the Western Transportation Institute (WTI) and conducted a walk audit with community members to identify candidate intersections. Staff recommended deploying temporary curb extensions (four corners at each intersection) at Second & Calendar and at Clark & Main and outfitting them with white paint, flexible delineators, planters and bench seating.
"The primary ... safety reason behind curb extensions ... is to get pedestrians out in front of cars when they're approaching an intersection," Severson said. She added the installations will include pollinator‑friendly plantings and that WTI will return a report summarizing traffic and public feedback.
Pilot features and timing
- Temporary materials: painted surface markings, flex posts, self‑watering planters and benches (city inventory will supply some benches). - Plantings: staff said they will use pollinator‑friendly species and will coordinate winter storage/reuse with public works and area parks when practical. - Outreach and evaluation: WTI will provide a final report and staff will display QR codes on site for public feedback; materials are reusable and will be removed before winter plowing. - Schedule: staff expects an installation window in late July–early August and removal before snow season; plants will be the last items installed.
Commissioners and members of the public supported the concept and asked staff to ensure plant lists avoid pesticide‑treated hybrid bedding plants and to coordinate any permanent design with the larger downtown master plan and Gateway Overlay standards. Several commissioners urged fast follow‑up on crosswalk safety work and pedestrian beacons at Park/Main, where commissioners and the public recalled previous pedestrian‑vehicle incidents.
Ending
Staff will proceed with the temporary installation and return a report summarizing community feedback and recommendations for permanent improvements; commissioners directed staff to continue coordination with WTI and public works and to bring follow‑up materials to future commission meetings.
