Draft crosswalks, curb ramps, and sidewalks policy
Summary
A new policy passed 5-3, but Fesenmaier argued it fails to require perpendicular curb ramps that make crossings safer and shorter for wheelchair users.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 7
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Sep 28, 2026.
Impact analysis
Perpendicular ramps can require removing sidewalk blocks or buying property, raising costs.
Pedestrians and people with mobility aids get clearer standards for safe crossings.
Wheelchair users may still encounter diagonal ramps on curved streets.
Mentions & discussions (7)
Public Works Committee - Sep 28, 2026
A resident who uses mobility equipment described impassable, ice-filled sidewalk cutouts downtown after plowing, asking the city to change how snow and ice get cleared. The chair asked her to follow up so it can be routed to the streets department.
Common Council - Jul 13, 2026
A hill on the northwest corner makes full ADA compliance impractical, so the council adopted the maximum-extent-feasible rule. A developer of the vacant parcel may reshape the hill anyway within three to six months.
Common Council - Jun 22, 2026
Andrea Christian described years of hazardous curb ramps, torn-up sidewalks, and what she calls police retaliation for traveling in the road when safe routes don't exist.
Common Council - Jun 8, 2026
A new policy passed 5-3, but Fesenmaier argued it fails to require perpendicular curb ramps that make crossings safer and shorter for wheelchair users.
Committee of the Whole - Jun 1, 2026
Alderpeople flagged bright new zebra crosswalks downtown but fading lane striping in hazardous spots like the Home Depot S-curve. One paint crew, weather-dependent scheduling, and a limited paint budget mean some requests wait until next year.
Public Works Committee - May 26, 2026
The new policy sets which crosswalks get painted this year (yellow dots) and which wait until Highway 50 construction ends (green dots). Extra requests are possible but need more paint money.
Public Works Committee - Apr 27, 2026
A draft citywide policy would set standards for how crosswalks, curb ramps and sidewalks are designed and maintained. It could affect accessibility for people with disabilities and how pedestrian infrastructure dollars are spent.
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