Yankton reviews Active Transportation Plan update, hears residents plead for sidewalks near middle school

YANKTON, S.D. — Yankton City staff on Oct. 28 presented a draft update to the city’s Active Transportation Plan, reviewed a GIS scoring method to prioritize missing sidewalks and identified planned 2025 projects while outlining funding choices, including a possible increase in the Yankton road tax (YRT).

City staff said the Active Transportation Plan, last updated in 2016, aims to increase walking and biking, improve safety and create a connected network. The draft is a working document that will be revised after public and commission input and presented for adoption at a future meeting.

“Not only is it to appreciate the different modes of transportation we have in our community, but more importantly it’s to make sure that everyone makes it to their destination safely,” staff said in opening remarks.

The city described a GIS-based scoring method to prioritize missing sidewalk segments. The method applies 1- and 2-block buffers around community destinations (parks, schools, shopping centers, city properties), awards extra points for segments along highways, arterials or collectors, and adds a point for city-owned property. The presentation said the highest theoretical score is 19; observed scores in the dataset ranged from 0 to 12.

Dave Mingo, community and economic development director, explained owner responsibilities under the subdivision ordinance and said sidewalks in new subdivisions are required to be installed prior to occupancy to avoid repeated damage during construction. He said the city offers incentives and a partial reimbursement program for repairs and installations in older neighborhoods, noting a 50/50 cost-share is available in some areas and that a 35% reimbursement rate for oversizing was adopted in April 2018.

Staff reviewed accomplishments since 2016, including a reported nearly 90,000 feet of sidewalk installed, and said the commission adopted an ordinance in April 2018 that raised minimum sidewalk width from 4 to 5 feet. The presentation also promoted a “complete streets” approach that considers curb bump-outs, pedestrian islands, ADA features and other safety elements when the city designs street projects.

Funding and YRT: Staff presented the current Yankton road tax (YRT) at 50¢ per frontage foot and a revenue snapshot noted as $440,003.21 under current rates; staff discussed potential increases of 10¢ or 20¢ per frontage foot and told the commission it could earmark part of any increase for active-transportation projects. Staff said they will provide comparative research on what other similar cities charge.

Planned projects and constraints: The presentation listed projects completed in 2024 (Burley Street; Mulberry Street) and planned 2025 projects that include East Nineteenth Street (Memorial to Sertoma Park), Karen Drive, Valley Road and Bradley Street, plus street projects on Walnut, Twelfth, Locust and others. Staff cautioned some locations have narrow right-of-way, railroad crossings or other constraints that will require engineering design choices.

Residents press safety concerns near middle school: Multiple residents urged the commission to accelerate sidewalk work near the middle school. Charlie Gross called out Burley Street between Nineteenth and Twentieth and said ‘‘kids are forced to walk in the street.’’ Denise Webben, who lives at 1810 Mulberry, described heavy pedestrian traffic at Nineteenth and Mulberry (buses, parents with strollers) and said the area’s safety concerns prompted a resident petition. Eric Young (805 E. 20th Street) told commissioners the sidewalk ends at his house and his children must cross twice to reach the Boys & Girls Club pool.

Staff noted they have received a multi-signature letter from residents near the Nineteenth Street block and a letter from Dr. Wayne Bridal supporting sidewalk installation. Staff also said they will meet with school administrators next year to review crossings and traffic control during peak school times.

DOT coordination: A DOT representative (Adam) told the commission that a planned DOT signal replacement in 2025 will include updated audible and pedestrian crossing functions; staff said they continue conversations with DOT about Fourth Street crossings.

What’s next: Staff emphasized the draft is not final, asked for public input via an online survey and paper forms, and told commissioners they'll return with more detailed research — including YRT comparisons — and design plans as projects move into engineering. No formal action or adoption occurred at the work session; commissioners adjourned to their next meeting.

Representative quotes from the meeting include: “The city’s ultimate goal is to line every street both sides with sidewalk,” staff said when explaining long-term goals. Resident Denise Webben told the commission, “I hope you all see the need,” referring to sidewalks near Nineteenth and Mulberry.

The commission did not vote on adoption of the plan at the Oct. 28 work session. Staff will incorporate feedback, continue coordination with the DOT and return with information on funding options and project designs for future consideration.