Council approves all‑way stop at 16th Street & Ottawa Avenue; postpones Fortieth Street crosswalk decision

Transportation staff reviewed two traffic items the council previously discussed: a recommendation from the traffic committee to install an all‑way stop at the intersection of 16th Street and Ottawa Avenue, and a separate proposal concerning a mid‑block crosswalk on Fortieth Street near Holland Christian and the Cobblestone development.

Transportation Director Brian White said the 16th/Ottawa proposal included limited no‑parking restrictions to improve sight lines and would likely be implemented in spring; staff also met with the local emergency services partner (West Michigan Uniform) and adjusted the no‑parking extent to address their concerns. “The recommendation stands that we would like to move forward with this,” White said.

Council moved to approve the all‑way stop recommendation and adopted it by roll call vote; the motion carried.

On the Fortieth Street crosswalk, city staff presented two options: remove the mid‑block crosswalk (the staff recommendation) or upgrade it to current standards. Staff recommended postponing action to allow direct notice to neighbors and businesses and more public outreach because the crossing affects pedestrian routes and a fire lane that connects Fortieth to the Cobblestone development. Council voted to postpone action so staff could provide additional public notification and return with a recommendation after community outreach.

What happens next: staff said the 16th/Ottawa change will be scheduled and implemented in the spring, subject to standard traffic control installation timelines. For Fortieth Street, staff will conduct outreach to adjacent property owners and return with refined options and a recommended schedule.