Committee directs staff to seek grant for flashing beacons at East 8th crosswalks

The National City Traffic Safety Committee voted to direct staff to submit a grant application for pedestrian‑safety improvements at three uncontrolled crosswalks on East 8th Street after staff described rising foot traffic near Market on 8th and recommended rectangular rapid‑flashing beacons (RRFBs) and associated signage.

Staff (speaker 6) reviewed corridor history and countermeasures already in place (bulb‑outs, refuge islands, striping) and said the remaining gap was signage and beacons. "What we are recommending here is installation attached to the structural box… this is called RRFB — rectangular rapid‑flashing beacons," the staff member said, explaining the devices are push‑button activated and help alert drivers to pedestrians. Staff estimated the installations across the three intersections would cost roughly $80,000 and said the H3/HTP grant application is due in approximately two months with results in about four months.

Multiple residents urged swift action. One public commenter (speaker 3) said the Market on 8th and new nearby businesses have increased pedestrian activity and near‑misses: "you're having a higher pedestrian mix," the resident said, urging crosswalk enhancements. Another resident (speaker 9) described personally experiencing near‑hits while walking and asked staff to study lighting and signal options used on other corridors.

The acting chair moved to direct staff to proceed with the recommended improvements and to return with a report at the next meeting on additional traffic‑calming and lighting options for the corridor. The motion was seconded and carried. Staff said they will apply for the H3/HTP funding, pursue fallback funding sources if needed, and bring an implementation and monitoring plan back to the committee.