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Council reconsiders East Main pedestrian project amid neighborhood opposition, explores alternate crosswalk options
Summary
Staff reviewed prior outreach and a sight-distance study on the East Main Street sidewalk and crosswalk project, noting opposition from directly affected homeowners and the potential need for construction easements or condemnation; staff will study lower-impact crosswalk options and return with recommendations.
CANTON — The Canton City Council revisited a proposed East Main Street pedestrian project on Feb. 5 after staff described mixed public input and technical constraints that complicated the original sidewalk proposal.
Miss Watson reminded council that the project — first advanced in the transportation master plan and studied in 2023 by third-party design partners — would have extended sidewalks from Muriel Street to Jeanette Street and added a crossing at Bridal/Jeanette. Public outreach showed broad support from the general public but opposition from the property owners directly affected by the sidewalk alignment. Watson told council the sidewalk itself would not be located on private property but that construction would require easements, and in some cases those easements could lead to condemnation procedures to secure temporary construction access.
Council discussed sight-distance issues at Jeanette Street, the curve approaching downtown and the varying impacts a sidewalk would have on three to 10 adjacent properties depending on the alignment. Watson said alternatives under consideration include locating a crosswalk at Royce/Roy Street, installing a simple marked crossing with flashing beacons, a raised crosswalk (which acts like a speed table), or a refuge island/raised median subject to available sight distance and cost. She said her office lacks the in-house capability to perform formal sight-distance verification and would bring options to council for additional consideration.
Some council members expressed concern about using condemnation for temporary construction easements but also emphasized pedestrian safety, noting observed pedestrian crossings and speeding near the curve on Jeanette Street. Staff committed to further study of sight distance and lower-impact crosswalk options and to return to council with recommendations that balance safety and property impacts.
Outcome: No formal vote; staff to evaluate alternate crosswalk locations and treatments and report back with options, costs and sight-distance verification.
