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Aldermen Refer Merchant’s Row Midblock Crosswalk to Public Works After Support from Downtown Stakeholders
Summary
The board referred a proposal to install a midblock crosswalk on Merchant’s Row to the Public Works Committee after the Downtown Rutland Partnership and others described pedestrian-safety benefits for families and museum visitors.
Rutland aldermen voted June 2 to refer a proposed midblock crosswalk on Merchant’s Row to the Public Works Committee following testimony from downtown stakeholders that the crosswalk improved pedestrian safety and access.
Oliver McClure, who works on Merchant’s Row, urged the board to consult the Downtown Rutland Partnership and the Rutland Regional Planning Commission transportation planner, saying he saw a “dramatic difference” in driver behavior last summer when a crosswalk was in place and noting the benefit to families and visitors to the nearby Wonderfeet Children’s Museum.
Why it matters: Aldermen said the crosswalk made people with strollers and small children feel safer and increased pedestrian comfort downtown. Staff and committee members agreed the Public Works Committee, with input from the DRP and the regional planner, is the right venue to review design, timing and traffic implications before the board acts.
Action taken: The board referred the matter to the Public Works Committee; no construction or funding decision was made on June 2. The committee was asked to invite DRP staff and the regional transportation planner to participate in the review.
Ending: The Public Works Committee will study the crosswalk request and report back with recommendations on design and implementation.
