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Design changes proposed for Ripley/Huntington/Perkins intersection; commissioners continue item for more analysis
Summary
Staff proposed converting a one‑block segment of Huntington Lane to westbound one‑way, reconfiguring stop bars and adding curb extensions as part of an upcoming repaving project; a nearby resident objected and the commission voted to continue the item so engineering staff can review alternatives and the resident proposal.
City staff presented proposed geometric changes for the Ripley Avenue–Huntington Lane–Perkins Street intersection, adjacent to Adams Middle School and Washington Elementary, and asked the commission whether to advance the design alongside a scheduled repaving project.
Staff described the existing configuration as an unconventional four‑approach all‑way stop that creates sight‑line challenges and long pedestrian crossings. The recommended design would convert the one block of Huntington east of Perkins from one‑way eastbound to one‑way westbound, move the Ripley stop bar to Perkins to shorten travel paths, reconfigure the Perkins approach into a more orthogonal (90‑degree) right‑angle approach to Ripley to improve visibility, and expand a central island with new curb ramps and pedestrian routing to shorten crossings.
Staff noted some parking stripe changes would be required to meet new daylighting rules, and showed potential replacement spaces nearby. Ryan (public‑works engineer) was on vacation and staff asked the commission if they wanted to continue the item until he could review a resident’s emailed design and provide detailed responses.
A nearby resident (identified in the transcript as Mr. Ramos) spoke and urged a different approach: he argued the proposed change would not eliminate confusion and said fast vehicles already run the stop sign; he proposed instead physically blocking a roughly 50‑foot section to remove vehicle options that encourage illegal turns or U‑turns. The resident concluded, “My proposal is just block that whole 50 foot section. That will create the place conventional…This will eliminate the confusion. This will add more safety.”
After questions about crosswalk placement, curb extensions and parking impacts, Commissioner Anderson moved to continue the item so Ryan could review the resident’s email and evaluate alternative designs; Commissioner Bajaj seconded. The motion passed on roll‑call vote: Commissioner Simpson — Aye; Commissioner Bajaj — Yes; Commissioner Anderson — Aye; Commissioner Afifi — Aye; Commissioner Sowell — Aye; Vice Chair Bealey — Aye.
Ending: Staff will return with Ryan’s engineering analysis, including feasibility of a crosswalk on the southwest leg of Ripley, curb‑extension options, parking adjustments and a review of the resident’s blocking proposal. The commission indicated staff should evaluate design alternatives and any cost implications before taking the matter to City Council for a permanent configuration change.
