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Commission endorses Jefferson Elementary Safe Routes to School plan, sends conceptual design to City Council
Summary
After staff presented a combined package of near-term striping and longer-term infrastructure changes (curb extensions, sidewalks, speed tables, signal timing), the commission voted 6-0 to recommend the Jefferson Elementary Safe Routes to School conceptual plan to City Council; public commenters urged additional traffic calming and crossings.
The Traffic Safety and Mobility Commission voted unanimously to recommend that City Council consider the conceptual Safe Routes to School plan for Jefferson Elementary after a staff presentation and public comment.
Transportation Planning and Mobility Manager Nathan Schmidt and Associate Engineer Nick Gorman presented near-term striping and signage options and longer-term proposals including curb extensions at key crossings, raised speed tables, new pedestrian crossings or rapid flashing beacons, sidewalk infill, enhanced pedestrian lighting, and revisions to signal timing to relieve queueing near the school.
Schmidt said outreach included a walk audit, a listening session and an online survey; staff reported vehicle counts at the combined campus of roughly 1,006 morning drop-off vehicles and a travel-mode survey showing about 60% of students arrive by personal vehicle and roughly 22% walk. Gorman said short-term items (striping and markings) could be implemented quickly, while physical improvements require design, neighborhood coordination and funding.
Three members of the public spoke in favor of aggressive traffic calming and additional crossings. Deborah Bodine urged a three-way stop at Chinquapin and Jefferson; Jeremy Bridal and Daniel DeRose described local speeding concerns and a recent bicycle crash, respectively, and urged stronger measures and crossings.
Commissioners praised the mix of near-and long-term measures. Commissioner Cole suggested multiple speed tables on Jefferson; other commissioners recommended decorative crosswalk motifs, student-led circulation programs for drop-off, and consideration of targeted red curb/daylighting near schools. A motion to forward the conceptual plan to City Council carried 6-0.
Next step: The commission's motion sends the conceptual plan and the staff's recommendations to City Council for further review and potential funding; staff will refine the design and incorporate commission comments before the council submittal.
