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Muncie students' resolution on pedestrian safety adopted; council to pursue grants for lights and sidewalks
Summary
An AP government class from Muncie Central High School presented and the council adopted Resolution 3-26, asking the city to install a pedestrian scramble, continental crosswalks, accessible signals and sidewalks near the school; councilors flagged grant opportunities and requested follow-up on funding.
Students in an AP government class at Muncie Central High School presented Resolution 3-26 on March 2, asking the city to install a pedestrian scramble signal at Myrtle and Walnut streets, paint continental crosswalks, add accessible pedestrian signals, construct sidewalks on Walnut’s west side in front of the school and remove some on-street parking to add a left-turn lane into the school lot.
Julie Snider, the students’ teacher, introduced a team of seniors who said they surveyed students and collected 91 responses. Student presenters cited school officials and local crash counts, and referenced studies showing scramble signals can reduce pedestrian injuries. "We had so far 91 responses from the general public... 88.9% of them were students," student speaker reported when members asked about survey logistics.
Council members praised the students’ work and discussed funding paths. Councilor Norah Powell told students about an Indiana Safe Routes to School grant and said the city planning staff had flagged county grant opportunities. Administration staff estimated the total project could cost in the low hundreds of thousands but suggested that painted crosswalks and initial safety striping could be pursued more quickly; one city official gave an informal construction estimate that parts costs might be under $40,000 while a broader estimate cited $340,000.
Council vote: Members introduced and adopted the resolution; the council also asked staff to pursue grant opportunities and technical estimates.
Why it matters: The intersection near Muncie Central is heavily used during school arrival and dismissal. Students and staff reported prior vehicle-pedestrian incidents; the adopted resolution asks the city to prioritize intersection safety improvements and seek funding.
Next steps: Staff will explore grant applications — including Indiana Safe Routes to School — and return with cost estimates and recommended phasing of improvements.
