Barbara Holcomb
Barbara Holcomb approached the Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety to request the placement of a crosswalk on William St. for Trinity United Methodist Church.
The church is located at 425 South Michigan, but the main entrance is halfway between Michigan St. and Miner St., on William St.
Holcomb reported that the church has seen a substantial attendance increase of 30% in the last year; that increase includes more young families with children. The parking lot is used for a playground. With children running back and forth between the church, Holcomb has concerns “as a mother and a grandmother”.
She also advocated for the several Girl Scouts Troops that meet at the church on Thursday evenings. She reported a lot of pedestrian traffic across William St. from the parking lot to the church. The church currently uses a bright green sign holding a flag to alert traffic of children; but requested that the City of Plymouth install an actual crosswalk; or at least a sign – in the name of public safety.
She added that in addition to children, some elderly folks are also crossing the street to enter the building; noting that a pedestrian crosswalk would serve a variety of people.
Streets Superintendent James Marquardt provided some history on the issue. The street was redone in 2019. At that time handicap spots were designated on the south side. There was discussion then about the logistics of a crosswalk; challenges arose with Americans with Disability Act (ADA) compliance.
Marquardt illustrated several challenges for the board; emphasizing that any pedestrian crosswalk installed on a Main Street must be within ADA requirements. Challenges to installation included parking spots, the width of the street, and the location of sidewalks and required signage.
Marquardt could not see how to accommodate the request and comply with ADA Federal Regulations.
Board member Jeff Houin offered some suggestions. After some discussion; Houin recommended that the issue be tabled and that Marquardt discuss the possibilities with City of Plymouth Engineering Assistant / GIS Coordinator Chris Marshall.
He made a motion to table the request, which was approved. Holcomb thanked Marquardt for considering it.
Board member Bill Walters said he hoped there was a way this request could be accommodated. “I think it’s something that’s needed. I understand also the concerns with the ADA compliance.”
Marquardt said, “Not concerns. Requirements. Legal requirements.”
