Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation Traffic Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee votes to remove Texas Street median to deter panhandling
Summary
The Clovis Public Works Committee recommended removing a median on Texas Street near Prince Street and paving the site, citing frequent panhandling and driver distraction; the committee approved the recommendation by voice vote with one recorded nay and forwarded it to the commission.
The Clovis Public Works Committee voted to recommend removing a median on Texas Street near the Prince Street/Walgreens area, saying the strip creates a place where panhandlers gather and can distract drivers.
Jerry (city staff) described the location and its traffic pattern, explaining that when Walmart was built the Texas Street approach was made right-in/right-out and that later NMDOT medians on Prince Street effectively reproduced that same pattern. He told the committee the current median is large enough that “panhandlers are allowed to be located within that area as long as they're not blocking the sidewalk area,” and said a quote from a contractor showed a removal estimate of $8,600 plus tax to remove and pave the median.
Commissioner Porter moved to approve removal and paving of the median. Cliff Martin seconded the motion. The chair called for the voice vote; the recommendation passed with one nay and was forwarded to the city commission for final action.
Committee members cited safety and driver distraction as reasons to remove the median. One member noted panhandlers sometimes stop cars, creating traffic conflicts. Another member said removing the median would eliminate a place where people can remain standing and potentially obstruct sight lines.
Ending: The committee's recommendation will go to the full City Commission for final approval and contracting; the committee did not set a construction schedule at the meeting.
