CRA reviews quick‑build safety pilots, crosswalk sensors and golf‑cart parking options downtown

Public Works Engineering Director Zach Beard briefed the CRA on several quick‑build safety pilots and operational changes intended to improve downtown safety and pedestrian convenience.

Beard said the city is piloting sensor‑activated crosswalks because manual push‑button response rates were only about 50–60%. "When you walk up, a sensor is gonna identify you've entered the crosswalk and activate the lights automatically," he said. Staff is also testing Zikla (Zikla spelled in transcript) material at selected locations to protect bicycle lanes and reduce conflicts and will pilot overhead lidar technology to capture intersection movement data and near‑miss events for further evaluation.

Commissioners raised field issues: bollards and quick‑build elements have been struck in initial deployment. Beard noted some wear and anchor damage is expected in early phases and that replacement requires resetting bolted anchors, but staff will monitor incidents and refine installations.

Staff reported an FDOT grant-funded adaptive signal system has been installed on Palmetto from 4th to Meisner; Beard said the adaptive system will need a few peak seasons to learn traffic patterns before full benefits are realized.

Commissioners also discussed parking policy downtown, including a 29‑minute 'coffee' pilot and whether golf carts should get free or designated parking. Opinions varied: some supported time‑limited incentives rather than vehicle‑type exemptions; others suggested designated shared spaces or a resident parking pass for downtown. Staff committed to pulling data on the 29‑minute pilot and returning with metrics for consideration.

No votes were taken; staff will return with pilot data and refined recommendations.