Council approves Orchard Hills infrastructure, several street improvement projects; postpones major redesign on Birch Street for further review

The Eau Claire City Council authorized a subdivision infrastructure agreement with CDPG Developers for Orchard Hills Phase 1 and approved a package of street and utility improvement projects and sidewalk repairs Tuesday, while postponing further action on the Birch Street corridor to allow more design review and neighborhood input.

Director Ness presented the Orchard Hills Phase 1 infrastructure agreement, describing street, utility and sidewalk construction (including Red Delicious Way and Stewart Farm Road) and the city'maintained stormwater ponds within the phase. Ness said construction inspection checkpoints, bid package clarifications and daily documentation requirements are included in the agreement; the phase will be served by a utility extension project the city is designing for 2025.

The council then considered a bundle of street and utility improvements on Birch Street (Franklin Street to Bergen Avenue), First Street (Platt to Third/Mead) and Vine Street (Third to First). Staff described pedestrian crossing improvements, possible high-visibility crosswalks, bicycle corridor design questions and adjustments to parking layout to reduce conflicts at Third and Vine. For First Street staff said resident property grades limited options for an 8-foot shared-use path in one segment and proposed a sidewalk there instead; they noted additional sidewalk/trail work is expected when Micheler Road is improved.

Councilmembers expressed strong interest in improving pedestrian safety and traffic calming along Birch Street, which several members noted is among the city's less safe corridors and serves diverse, lower-income neighborhoods. After a lengthy discussion and requests from several council members for alternatives (raised intersections, stop signs, additional crossing treatments, flashing beacons, a designated bicycle corridor), Councilmember Worthman moved to postpone the Birch Street item for one month to give staff time to evaluate additional traffic-calming and design options with neighborhood stakeholders. The postponement passed unanimously by roll call.

The council approved the remaining two street projects (First Street and Vine Street) and a related resolution ordering sidewalk repair under Wisconsin Statute 66.0907; those items passed unanimously.

The Orchard Hills Phase 1 subdivision infrastructure agreement passed unanimously as well. Council members said they expect staff to bring back more detailed design alternatives for Birch Street and to coordinate additional neighborhood engagement.

Votes at a glance: Orchard Hills infrastructure agreement (passed unanimously); First Street and Vine Street projects and sidewalk repair resolutions (passed unanimously); Birch Street corridor postponed for one month (postponement passed unanimously).