HOLLAND, Mich. — Holland City Council on Nov. 19 voted to have the city’s transportation staff upgrade the midblock crosswalk on 40th Street to meet current standards, after a divided debate and competing motions to remove or retain the crossing.

The decision follows repeated reviews by the traffic committee and public comment from neighbors who urged both improved safety and preservation of a convenient crossing. City transportation staff told council the crossing’s north-side ramp fails to meet current ADA requirements and that peak-hour pedestrian counts were modest — staff recorded six to seven uses during morning counts and similar numbers in the afternoon — but that standards and signage requirements have changed since the crosswalk was installed.

"This crosswalk is not up to standards," Brian White, the city’s transportation staff presenter, told the council during the staff briefing, describing two staff options: full removal with curb and chicane fencing, or an upgrade package that includes a rebuilt north ramp, new pavement markings, advance signage, additive lighting and a reconfigured fencing chicane to slow bicyclists and pedestrians.

Mayor Nathan Box, explaining his vote, said he could not "in good conscience" allow children to cross at the location as it exists now, citing speed and sight-distance concerns. Council first considered a motion to remove the crosswalk; that motion failed (reported tally 4 yes, 5 no). A subsequent motion, amended during the meeting to specify the staff’s option 2 upgrade package, carried on roll call.

Supporters of upgrading emphasized walkability and the neighborhood’s use of the crossing, while opponents and some staff emphasized safety metrics tied to vehicle speeds and the legal limits on pedestrian right-of-way at midblock crossings. Staff said implementation would require survey and detailed design work and is expected to occur in spring and summer when construction conditions are suitable.

The council’s direction instructs the transportation department to develop design and construction plans for the approved upgrade option; staff said they would proceed with the preferred package and return to implement the work next construction season.

The council’s action resolves a multi-meeting debate that included written public comments and multiple study-session presentations. The vote outcome leaves the crosswalk in place for now while committing city staff to the compliance upgrades and further design work.