The Public Works Commission voted to approve the construction of a sidewalk
from DeForest Heights to Cliff St. on April 14 at a cost of $20,000 to the
city. This is a 60' section of sidewalk that will connect pedestrians from
the hill section who are going to Edmunds school and downtown. In
a "mobility study" of the Cliff St. area, it was identified as an important
connection in the sidewalk network to complete. The intersection at Cliff
and Willard is a dangerous one since there are sidewalks only on the west
side and no crosswalk across Willard St.; when the new sidewalk section is
built, a crosswalk across Willard St. on the south side of the intersection
will be installed as well.

Public works staff designed two alternatives to choose from, one costing
$20,000 and one costing $58,000. Unfortunately the $20,000 choice meant
that 5 parking spaces will be lost on the west side of Willard St. Two
residents on Willard St. are very disappointed that they will be losing
parking in front of their homes.

A big THANK YOU to Public Works staff, who did a great job of designing the
alternatives and patiently worked through the public process to get this
approved. THANKS to Public Works commissioners who asked a lot of good
questions and worked hard to balance concerns of both the general public and
the affected neighbors. THANK YOU to residents and advocates who came out to
support the project.