Ross council authorizes phased engineering work for Allen Avenue safety improvements

The Ross Town Council voted unanimously to authorize civil engineering services for an Allen Avenue safety project, a measure staff described as the first step in a phased approach to address pedestrian and bicycle safety on a narrow neighborhood street.

A council member who pulled the item said neighbors had proposed adding a curb or other treatments to address safety where there is currently no sidewalk; she warned that adding a curb could eliminate parking spots (about 14 were cited as present along the street) and urged solutions that preserve parking while improving safety. Public works staff said the consultant’s proposal is phased to include surveying and right-of-way analysis before final engineering and public outreach. "We can bring something worthy... maybe one-third of the expenditure of this contract" in the initial phases, staff said.

Staff also explained the firm selection: Moe Engineering was recommended based on longstanding local experience serving small jurisdictions, and staff said sole-sourcing is common for smaller roadway projects though larger capital projects would use an RFP. The director said he was not a proponent of installing the curb used on another street (Laurel Grove) because Allen Avenue likely lacks the room for that treatment.

The council approved the authorization by roll-call vote (five ayes). Staff said it will return with alternatives based on survey results and neighborhood outreach before committing to final design or construction.