Laserfiche WebLink
concerns for pedestrians near the Transpo station. Councilmember Davis asked what can be done <br />about the issue. <br />Mr. Kain explained that the Smart Streets team is in their evaluation period and have received <br />concerns about this intersection among others that are being revisited by Public Works for safety <br />concerns. <br />Regina Williams- Preston asked who the point of contact for community concerns is. <br />Mr. Kain replied that correspondence could be sent to him or the project manager. He agreed to <br />send the project manager's contact information to the Council. <br />Chairperson Broden asked a question relating to bike lanes in the project. <br />Mr. Kain discussed various bike nodes and pedestrian uses were focused in the downtown. <br />Councilmember Davis asked how many users are utilizing the bike lanes. <br />Mr. Kain explained the complete streets philosophy and its advocacy of various modes of <br />transportation versus a heavy reliance on vehicles and the focus on safety for all users of the <br />street. He went on to explain that bicyclists should always move in the direction of traffic. Most <br />bike lanes are one -way in the downtown with the exception of the bike trail near the river. <br />Dr. Varner inquired about angled parking on Michigan Street near the Chocolate Factory and <br />whether or not Public Works intended to address that safety concern as well. <br />Councilmember Davis echoed his concern. <br />Mr. Kain explained that Public Works would not be changing the parking to angular at this time <br />due to concerns regarding reducing the number of parking spaces, but Public Works would visit <br />concerns of Michigan Street parking in a few years after the Smart Streets project ends. <br />Councilwoman Broden redirected the conversation for the sake of time and noted the problem as <br />a priority to follow -up with later. <br />Mr. Kain went on to discuss the details of aesthetic features of the plan that are purposed to <br />create a sense of place; including, streetscape furniture, signage, markings, benches, and creating <br />more opportunities public art. <br />He stated construction began this week and explained the construction phasing strategy and <br />schedule with most of the road closures occurring throughout the summer. The goal of the <br />project is to complete the conversion by the end of this year, October or November. The <br />conversion of the street system itself will be completed by the first football game. <br />Councilmember Davis raised the question regarding contractor penalties for missing the <br />deadline. <br />