Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Tap Sidewalk Crosswalk topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Bolivar approves TAP grant resolution including crosswalk at Walmart intersection; council to seek outside funding help
Summary
City staff recommended submitting a TAP grant application that would include a sidewalk and a crosswalk at the Walmart signal; the council voted to include the crosswalk, increasing the city's estimated match to about $279,350 and asked staff to seek contributions from businesses.
Bolivar City Council voted to submit a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant application that includes a sidewalk on Springfield Avenue and a crosswalk at the Walmart signal, directing staff to pursue potential partner contributions to lower the city’s share.
Staff told the council the TAP program maximum for the project would be $600,000 and that the board could submit one of two resolutions: one limited to the sidewalk (where the city’s estimated match would be about $100,000) or the option that included the crosswalk (which staff estimated would raise the city’s match to about $279,350). Staff explained the higher cost for including the crosswalk was driven by the need to rework signal infrastructure, address stormwater issues, and provide pedestrian connection into the Walmart parking area.
“I think if we’re going to go and have this nice sidewalk, I think we become a liability if we don’t provide the crosswalk,” a councilmember said, urging the broader application. Other councilmembers suggested approaching Walmart and nearby businesses to seek contribution to the match.
A staff member said the city had the stronger chance of maximizing the TAP application by applying for the full amount rather than a partial scope, and recommended the council adopt the resolution that included the crosswalk. The council adopted the motion by voice vote and directed staff to explore possible contributions from businesses and to proceed with the TAP submission.
Why it matters: The crosswalk would create a legal pedestrian connection between the east-side sidewalk and the large retail area on the west side of Springfield Avenue, improving walkability for residents who rely on walking and public transit to reach major retail and services.
Next steps: Staff will finalize the TAP application, seek potential partners to reduce the city match and return with any commitments or staff recommendations.
