Council directs staff to propose Complete Streets exceptions, schedules hearing to reconsider Eighth Avenue West reconstruction

OSKALOOSA, Iowa — The Oskaloosa City Council on July 21 directed staff to draft additional, narrowly defined exceptions to the city's Complete Streets policy and set a public hearing for Aug. 4 to reconsider plans and specifications for the Eighth Avenue West reconstruction project.

The action follows months of discussion and public comment about a design for Eighth Avenue West that would replace pavement and add sidewalks on both sides of the street. The current design includes new Portland cement concrete (PCC) pavement and sidewalks; staff estimated the engineering cost at $192,138. Some residents and council members expressed concern that the proposed cross-section could block agricultural access to adjacent parcels and would impose a sidewalk and curb configuration they opposed.

Why it matters: The council's choice affects whether the reconstruction proceeds…