Concerns over pedestrian safety took center stage at the recent Sheridan Planning Commission meeting, as residents voiced urgent calls for improvements in a busy neighborhood. The discussion highlighted the lack of sidewalks on Fifth Street, particularly near Adair, where children frequently walk to junior high. Community member Barbara raised alarms about the dangers posed by foot traffic in the street, emphasizing that many kids have no safe place to walk. “It’s a dangerous intersection,” she warned, recalling past accidents and expressing frustration over the lack of action to improve safety.

Director Mercer responded to safety inquiries, explaining that pedestrian safety improvements typically require submissions to the City Engineer. He noted that many residential areas were developed without sidewalks, and current regulations only mandate sidewalks if they are within 300 feet of existing ones. This has left many neighborhoods, including the one in question, without adequate pedestrian infrastructure.

The conversation also touched on parking concerns, with residents like Denise Burbank highlighting the potential for increased congestion due to new housing developments. With limited parking available for multi-vehicle households, the situation could worsen, leading to more cars on already crowded streets.

As the community grapples with growth and safety issues, the call for proactive measures, such as yield signs and designated crosswalks, has never been more pressing. The Planning Commission is now faced with the challenge of balancing development needs with the safety of its residents, particularly the children who navigate these busy streets daily.