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Neighbors push back on Madison/Herman quick-build pilot; council debate, motion to reconsider fails
Summary
A quick-build pilot to install a temporary traffic circle at Madison/Larkin/Herman funded through a TAMC quick-build grant drew extensive neighborhood opposition over outreach, gridlock at school drop-off and aesthetics. Council considered a motion to reconsider the contract award to Don Chapin Company but the reconsideration measure failed; staff and some council members said the installation is temporary and will return to council after a community trial and feedback.
A temporary "quick-build" pilot project to install a traffic-circle treatment at the Madison/Larkin/Herman intersection prompted heated public comment on July 7, with neighborhood groups and many residents urging the council to pause or cancel a previously authorized contract and seek wider community outreach.
Staff described the project as a TAMC quick-build pilot intended to use temporary, low-cost materials so communities can test design concepts and then decide whether to make changes or move to a permanent build. Staff said the grant program budgeted roughly $210,000 for the project; the lowest base bid reported in the council packet was about $140,000 and staff noted roughly $29,000 had been spent on design to date. Bids are valid for 90 days from opening (staff noted May 26 bid opening; bids expire around Aug. 24 unless extended). Staff said the intent was to present a temporary trial, return to council after community feedback and then consider permanent changes only if supported.
Dozens of residents, neighborhood associations and local stakeholders told the council they were not adequately notified, warned the pilot would worsen morning and afternoon school-related gridlock and cited parking loss and visual impacts from decorative planters and delineators. Several neighbors and neighborhood groups asked the council to rescind the contract award before construction began. Supporters for a temporary pilot said a trial could let the community test safety benefits and that temporary installations are reversible.
Councilmember Rash moved to reconsider the awarding of the construction contract and requested further community outreach; the motion to reconsider was put to a vote and the attempt did not succeed to remove the award immediately. Staff and council agreed to hold a focused community meeting on Thursday, July 9 at 6:00 p.m. in the Community Library Room to gather input; staff also confirmed the project would return to council for a final decision before any permanent construction begins.
