City also plans to repave length of Main Street
As part of a $1.2 million project (80 percent of which is being funded by the federal government), workers in Beacon last month began installing curb extensions, or “bump-outs,” along Main Street at Veterans Place and Cross, Willow, Walnut, Cedar and Eliza streets.
The bump-outs reduce the distance that pedestrians must navigate to cross the street while moving walkers away from parked cars and other obstructions that block drivers’ views. The upgrades also improve accessibility for wheelchairs and strollers and encourage drivers to slow down, city officials said.
The bump-outs should be completed in September, City Administrator Chris White told the City Council during its Aug. 2 meeting. At the end of September, the city plans to remove the “parklets” that have been fashioned with orange traffic walls along Main Street for restaurants to provide outdoor dining during the pandemic shutdown. The city will then mill, pave and restripe the length of Main.
“We’re in a state of flux right now,” White said. “But we’re hoping that by the end of October, Main Street is tightened up and looks much better, and is safer.”
In addition, the project includes the installation of countdown timers at five busy intersections: South Avenue at Wolcott (Route 9D), Verplanck at Matteawan and Fishkill avenues, and Main at Chestnut Street and Teller Avenue.
Are the parklets going to return? Or did the Beaconites whining about their precious parking get their way?
Nice story, good progress. Any information as to whom might be up for the new Beacon Council and their backgrounds? Citizens are concerned as silence prevails.
We reported on the candidates for four candidates for Beacon City Council, all running unopposed, in May. See https://highlandscurrent.org/2021/05/28/a-full-slate/. We will have more on everyone who appears on the Nov. 2 ballot closer to the election.
I hope they somehow mark the crosswalk bump-outs for snow plows. Other than that, they look great. [via Facebook]