Commission approves RFP phase for NW 237th Street safety and downtown connectivity project

The CRA board voted to move the Northwest 237th Street improvements project into the request‑for‑proposals phase after staff presented a completed engineering design on Aug. 27.

Staff member presenting the plan said the consultant "officially completed the engineering design for this project... With the design phase finalized, the project is shovel ready and ready for RFP and construction bids." The proposed work includes grinding to the base, new asphalt, shifted parking lines, two raised crosswalks (near Prohibition Pizza and near the rail trail), a small island/median and continued sidewalks. The presenter said the design anticipates future trail connections so the improvements would not be removed later.

Commissioners raised concerns about the island's width relative to vehicle and trailer turning and noted potential parking loss on the west side. One commissioner suggested hugging any island to the sidewalk to reduce scooter or skateboard traffic around it. Board members also asked staff to explore lighting and active crosswalk signage and the possibility of adding bike racks to discourage scooter passage through pedestrian space.

A motion to advance the project to RFP was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. During discussion, a commissioner confirmed available CRA funds for the project and asked staff to estimate the additional cost of any needed water or sewer work while the road is excavated. Staff said CRA funds can address damaged utility lines but cautioned that replacing service lines not essential to the redevelopment project could be restricted under statutory guidance provided in later agenda items.