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Highlands approves concept to install bollards after two vehicles struck First Presbyterian Church
Summary
Following two incidents in which vehicles ran over a narrow sidewalk and struck the First Presbyterian Church building, the town board approved a concept to install curb stops and concrete-filled steel bollards (estimated ~22 at $650 each) to prevent future crashes; staff will draft plans and share them with the church.
The Highlands Board of Commissioners on Sept. 18 approved a concept to install physical barriers — a combination of curb stops and concrete-filled steel bollards — to prevent vehicles from running over a narrow sidewalk and striking the First Presbyterian Church on Church Street.
Church leaders and staff described two recent incidents in which vehicles traveled over the sidewalk and into the building; Associate Pastor Kelly Connolly said the most recent crash came "within inches of a $1,000,000 organ," and that no one was injured in either incident. The church requested a permanent solution to avoid a future, potentially injurious collision.
Public works review and recommended solution Public works director Lamar Nix described options and recommended installing curb stops and a row of steel pipe bollards filled with concrete similar to installations in other town locations. Nix estimated about 22 bollards would be needed for the stretch nearest the historic portion of the church and put the per-bollard cost at about $650 each for an estimated total of approximately $16,000.
Board action and design work The board voted to proceed with the concept and directed staff to prepare design drawings; the church asked to receive a copy of the draft plan once it is complete. Commissioners and staff discussed pulling curb stops back several feet from the bollard line to allow service vehicles and contractors to use some spaces while still preventing through traffic from mounting the sidewalk.
What was not decided No specific materials contract or installation schedule was approved at the Sept. 18 meeting. Staff will return with design drawings and cost details for formal contract action.
Next steps Lamar Nix will prepare a draft design and materials list; the town will share the draft with the church for review and will return to the board with a recommended installation plan and procurement schedule.
