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Council sides with neighborhood survey: removes two islands and declines sidewalks in West Vernon Place
Summary
Following a mailed survey with a 76% response rate showing 61% opposed to sidewalks, the council voted 7‑0 to remove two cul‑de‑sac islands and proceed with a stormwater/street reconstruction project without installing sidewalks in West Vernon Place, after a lengthy public comment period with residents on both sides.
The Council voted unanimously to remove the islands on West 65th Drive and West 66th Terrace and to proceed with the West Vernon Place street and stormwater reconstruction project without installing new sidewalks.
Director Kumpke told the council that the city mailed a survey to 81 households and received 62 responses (about 76%), with 34% supporting sidewalks, 61% opposing and 5% undecided. Staff recommended sidewalks to align with the city’s Complete Streets and Mobile Merriam policies but acknowledged that those plans encourage rather than require sidewalks and that resident preference is a legitimate factor in the decision.
During public comment, several residents urged different outcomes: Al Osterhouse and other neighbors asked the council to retain islands for traffic calming and neighborhood character; Mike Fleming and Mary Coleman urged sidewalks for safety and for families with strollers and children. “I’d rather have somebody safe 10 years from now over Bush,” Fleming said about losing a yard bush to a sidewalk. Residents also raised concerns about loss of parking and private yard area, snow‑shoveling liability and maintenance responsibilities.
Councilmember Schmitt moved the staff’s secondary motion to remove the two islands and not install sidewalks; the motion was seconded and passed 7‑0. Council discussion noted respect for resident input and an option for future sidewalk infill projects if a later council chooses to pursue them or if a future CIP includes standalone sidewalk construction.
