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Parents, BikeWalk KC urge sidewalks near TA Edison Elementary; city staff estimate $40,000 for curb and ADA ramps
Summary
Residents, parents and BikeWalk KC told the administration human services committee that a sidewalk on Locust near TA Edison Elementary would improve child pedestrian safety and support active transportation. City staff estimated the cost for the short segment at about $40,000 (materials, curb & gutter, ADA ramps).
Community members and advocates presented a request to the Unified Government on July 13 for sidewalks on Locust Street near TA Edison Elementary in the Friendship Heights neighborhood.
Avery Jones, community organizer with BikeWalk KC, and Ellen Edgar, president of the Friendship Heights Neighborhood Association, told commissioners that the neighborhood, many of whose students walk to school, lacks safe sidewalks on key blocks and has seen frequent close calls from speeding and constrained sightlines. "There's kids who are constantly walking up and down there, and it's kind of like a hill, which also makes sight a little difficult," Jones said, describing students forced to walk in ditches or yards.
The presenters described a successful bike-to-school day with roughly 50 students participating and a neighborhood-run bike bus. City staff who visited the site estimated materials, curb and gutter work, labor and three ADA ramps would cost about $40,000 for the short sidewalk segment requested.
Commissioners raised funding options including the library of small grants, subcommittee allocations and the countys 50/50 sidewalk program, which was not fully funded this year. Health and safety, school partnerships and possible school-district collaboration were discussed. Public comments from parents, teachers and students emphasized daily safety concerns and winter conditions that make walking hazardous without sidewalks.
The item was presented for information and no formal action was taken; commissioners said they would consider the need going into the budget process and explore funding partnerships.
