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Council hears plan to remove midblock crosswalk on Pennsylvania Avenue to add parking; staff to seek business input
Summary
City staff told council removing a midblock crosswalk in the 200 block of Pennsylvania Avenue could create two to three additional parking spaces per side, but cautioned that safety warrants and sight‑distance studies may be required; staff will solicit business-owner input and may return with an ordinance next month.
City staff briefed Warren City Council on a proposal to remove the midblock crosswalk in the 200 block of Pennsylvania Avenue to add parking spaces.
Staff summarized that removing the crosswalk could allow two to three additional parking spaces on each side of the street. The presentation noted that when the midblock crosswalk was originally installed, it was warranted by the distance between adjacent crosswalks; a newer roundabout crosswalk sits further west and staff believe removing the midblock crossing may not cause pedestrian hardship. Staff stressed, however, that midblock crossings are evaluated for sight distance and safety, and preliminary checks might not meet official warranting criteria.
Council members asked whether the additional spaces would be on one side or both sides, whether the new spaces would be metered, and whether business owners had been consulted; staff said they had spoken to several business owners and will continue outreach. Staff indicated that an ordinance would likely be required before removal and that the council would see the ordinance and analyses at a subsequent meeting if staff recommend action.
No formal vote was taken. Council requested staff report back with additional outreach, a formal engineering assessment if warranted, and proposed ordinance language if removal is recommended.
