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Commission splits on Thunder Road sidewalk waiver; agrees compromise to add ADA curb ramps
Summary
After a contested hearing, the commission declined to require full sidewalk construction along a stretch of Thunder Road. Commissioners debated safety, business burden and policy; the initial motion to deny a waiver failed and the body accepted a compromise that will allow the waiver while city engineering will place ADA curb cuts at key crossings.
A petition by property owners to waive a sidewalk‑installation requirement along a segment of Thunder Road prompted heated testimony from business owners and a split commission vote July 13.
City planning and engineering staff explained that sidewalks are required by ordinance at the time of site plan approval and that a city program is now addressing missing sidewalk segments. Property owners and business representatives — including Jim McCoy of J & M Truck Sales and James Sandeski of Thunder Road — opposed construction, citing heavy truck traffic, low pedestrian demand and seasonal business burdens for snow removal. "There's trucks coming and going out of my place all the time...that's a terrible place to put a sidewalk," McCoy testified.
Commissioners debated policy priorities: some cited universal accessibility and future land‑use changes as reasons to install sidewalks, while others pointed to the industrial character and low pedestrian use as reasons to grant a waiver. Commissioner Peterson proposed a compromise that allows the waiver but directs engineering to provide curb cuts and pedestrian conveyance at the southeast and northeast corners to improve safe access. Staff confirmed the ordinance allows the commission to make such determinations and that curb‑cut placement can be refined by engineers. The commission accepted the compromise and moved on to the next agenda item.
