TITLE
Recommendation to request City Manager to close the pedestrian bridge at Elmfield Avenue in order to address persistent crime and public safety issues. This closure would include extensive notifications for the community to be made aware that this closure was being scheduled.
This closure should be implemented as a six-month pilot to collect data and assess impacts with the goal of improving public safety.
DISCUSSION
Residents of the Park Estates neighborhood have expressed persistent concerns related to public safety issues as a result of the accessibility of their neighborhood in overnight hours through the small pedestrian bridge at Elmfield Avenue. There have been numerous accounts of criminal activity, with this bridge being used as an entry point and exit route during late night and early morning hours.
With these issues in mind it would be prudent to close this bridge as a pilot program to assess impacts and collect data to see if the closure adequately addresses the ongoing public safety concerns that occur throughout the overnight hours. This closure should also include additional notification and signage to make residents aware of the scheduled closure. This request would also include an evaluation after 6-months to understand the results of the closure and consider the possibility of closing this bridge permanently.
This matter has been reviewed by Budget Manager Grace H. Yoon on September 20, 2019.
FISCAL IMPACT
This recommendation requests that the City Manager close the pedestrian bridge at Elmfield Avenue to address persistent crime and public safety issues as part of a six-month pilot to collect and analyze data to improve public safety. Implementing this recommendation is anticipated to have a minimal impact of staff hours beyond the budgeted scope of duties and a minimal impact on current City Council priorities.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
SUZIE PRICE, COUNCILWOMAN
THIRD DISTRICT