Redwood City crosswalk renovation draws concern

The crosswalk in question is currently located at the intersection of Whipple Avenue and Woodstock Place. The proposal is to remove that crosswalk and build a new one down the street at the intersection of Whipple Avenue and Iris Street. That new crosswalk is proposed to include sidewalk corner extensions, flashing beacons that alert drivers to pedestrian crossings, enhanced pavement markings, curb ramps and bioretention areas for storm drainage, among other improvements.

The city received six bids in August for the project, which is expected to cost as much as $140,278, according to a staff report. 

While that may not seem like much in the context of a city budget, neighbors said the project is unnecessary because the intersection is already safe and has been accident free in recent years. They also disparaged the proposal for wasting city staff time.

Part of the reason for the proposed relocation of the crosswalk is that it currently runs into a residential driveway where there is insufficient room to install additional safety features. A crosswalk that connects to a driveway while code-compliant is not a preferred practice, said Christian Hammack, Parking and Transportation demand manager.

Residents and councilmembers appeared reticent to move forward with the project for that reason because they said it could set a costly precedent; many crosswalks in Redwood City currently extend into driveways.

“If one of the reasons we’re moving [on this project] is because the crosswalk goes into a driveway, then we have to think about what precedent we have set for all the other driveways in the city,” Vice Mayor Diane Howard said. “If we do this sidewalk does it then become that’s the norm and we have to go block by block in doing this and is that sensible if we can find another solution to this problem?”

One resident identified seven crosswalks in the city that connect to driveways and said renovating all of them could easily exceed $1 million. Bids for the crosswalk at Whipple Avenue and Iris Street ranged from $160,000 to $224,000.

Another resident was less than thrilled that the new crosswalk’s flashing lights would be installed directly in front of her living room. The flashing lights were of particular concern for several neighbors.

“Paint on the streets, signs and flashing lights is what they want to do now and it’s all just visual blight,” said resident Mike Bursak. “And where’s the justification for the city to spend $140,000 up front and maintenance forever? Few people are actually using the marked crosswalk and I know because I live there.”

Another neighbor spoke during the meeting in favor of enhancing the crosswalk at its currently location. She said drivers do speed on Whipple Avenue and children often cross the street.

Whatever project ultimately moves forward will be decided at a future meeting.

“I think it’s clear there have been some disconnects between the city and the community,” Mayor Ian Bain said. “None of us want to be in a situation where we’re considering forcing a solution on a neighborhood that doesn’t want it.”

zachary@smdailyjournal.com

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