Planning staff outlines Ridgeview Estates design, rapid flashing beacons and Janesville Avenue restriping plans

City planning staff gave a consolidated update on previously approved and continuing projects, noting design and construction timelines and grant-application activity.

Staff reported the certified survey map and offer to purchase for a car wash property that the commission reviewed last month have been approved by the City Council and the city is working to close and record the CSM. Design work for Ridgeview Estates Phase 2 is under way with Veil Engineering; the relocated Banker Road is scheduled for construction in 2027 and a Phase 2 subdivision is associated with that work. Two single-family residences, townhomes, and multifamily projects are under construction in Ridgeview Estate.

Staff said the city budgeted funds in 2025 for two rectangular rapid flashing beacons — one at South Water and Main Street and another at Janesville Avenue by Jones Park — and applied to the Fort Atkinson Community Foundation for additional grant funding. Installation is scheduled for spring 2026. The Janesville Avenue corridor plan also identified restriping as a future project; the city expects to include restriping design in the 2026 budget.

A commissioner with pedestrian-safety experience recommended considering a center pedestrian refuge island if Janesville Avenue is restriped from four lanes to three, noting that mounting a warning device from an island can improve visibility and create a safer crossing. Staff said the current phase does not include a center island but described trombone-arm mounting and wireless beacons as options; staff said additional islands could be installed later as design permits.