Families: Crosswalk could be lifesaver

By Susan Larson | The Daily Journal

Published Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Concerns were expressed to the City Council Monday over the need for a pedestrian crossing on Tower Road near Productive Alternatives. Data supplied by the city, however, indicates it might not be such a lifesaver. There is a crosswalk at the corner of Tower Road and Fir Avenue, but most cross in the middle of Tower, because the crosswalk is located near a corner where people turn in fast, a family member said.

Family members who have loved ones attending Productive Alternatives see a need for pedestrian crossing on Tower Road near Productive Alternatives. Productive Alter-natives provides jobs for persons with disabilities.

Requests for a crosswalk have been denied in the past due to traffic speed; information that has been collected, Public Works Director Clif Allen said, show it could give pedestrians a false sense of security.

Not so, said Mary Jane Westra, whose sister is a Productive Alternatives client.

“It’s a busy street with fast-moving traffic,” she said. “Those who use Productive Alternatives don’t have the same ability to judge how far away a car is or to judge distance.”

A painted crosswalk in conjunction with flags or lighted signage would be helpful, Westra said.

“I don’t have the answer, but doing nothing is not safe for our people,” Westra said.

In other council business:

• A petition with 140 names asking the city to open the outdoor ice rink at Channing Avenue was presented by Parks and Recreation Manager Rick Terway on behalf of interested residents. Lake Alice and Cleveland are the only outdoor rinks at this time, but Cleveland will be lost due to the Cleveland Elementary renovation project.

• Dr. Anna Wasecha, new provost at the Fergus Falls Minnesota State Community and Technical College, was introduced to the council.

“I’m looking forward to working with you and making the college relevant to the life of this community,” Wasecha said.