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Residents urge better downtown accessibility as city pilots shuttle and plans safety meetings
Summary
Residents used public comment at the Oct. 13 CRE meeting to highlight pedestrian right-of-way confusion, parking-meter usability and to seek details about a downtown shuttle pilot and upcoming public safety meeting.
Residents used the public-comment portion of the Oct. 13 meeting to press the CRE board on downtown accessibility and to ask for details about a new shuttle pilot.
Several commenters said the downtown pedestrian experience could be confusing, citing a crossing at the end of Bridal Street near Ivy House where drivers and pedestrians appear unclear who has the right of way. One resident said the crossing "doesn't say or it doesn't give an indication who goes first" and urged clearer markings or signage. Board members and staff acknowledged the concern and noted the item for further review.
Commenters also described difficulties with parking meters, the effect of valet spaces for some restaurants on public parking availability, and wayfinding for people with limited mobility. Staff confirmed that some restaurant operations occupy curbside spaces and that the parking garage and shuttle pilot are intended to improve circulation once fully operating.
Staff provided details about a downtown shuttle pilot (described in the meeting as a branded trolley-style vehicle) and said current service is limited to certain weekdays and times while the city waits for the full trolley vehicle. Staff said the pilot route currently makes a roughly 15-minute loop that hits major downtown points, including Third Avenue, Fort King, the parking garage area and the square. "It's a first step at what does it look like moving forward as far as getting people moved around," a staff member said. The city also noted an app exists for real-time tracking, though limited frequency and the short 15-minute circuit may make waiting for the shuttle impractical for some short downtown trips.
In connection with pedestrian safety, staff announced a Nov. 5 public safety meeting at the IHMC Building to discuss the local road safety plan, speed management and traffic calming under the city's 2023 Safe Streets grant. Staff encouraged community participation and said project displays and the project team would be available to receive input.
No formal policy or funding decisions were made at the Oct. 13 meeting on these issues; staff indicated follow-up and community outreach would continue.
