After public comment from Eagle Crest North residents, the Onalaska Board of Public Works and Utilities on Nov. 4 voted unanimously to refer a request for a marked crossing on Mason Street (300/400 block) back to staff for further review and stakeholder outreach.

Deb Taylor, campus administrator at Eagle Crest North (351 Mason St.), presented a letter from a resident urging a crossing close to the YMCA to shorten the route for seniors and residents with mobility limitations. Jared Holter presented staff findings and a map; staff said the city generally prefers crosswalks at intersections and rarely installs mid‑block crossings, citing sight-distance, driveway conflicts and parking. Holter said any crosswalk would require ADA ramps, signage and likely parking adjustments; he opposed installing a crosswalk in the driveway itself.

Board discussion ranged over safety, likely use by people who already cross mid‑block, potential removal of a YMCA parking stall, and the level of treatment needed to make a mid‑block crossing effective. Police Chief Chuck Ashback and others said a painted crosswalk alone would likely be insufficient given sight-line and heavy parking on the south side; Ashback recommended a bump‑out and lighting/beacons if a mid‑block crossing is pursued. Staff estimated basic ADA ramp work at about $2,000 and sign/paint at roughly $2,500; rapid flashing beacons were estimated at $15,000–$25,000 depending on configuration.

The board directed staff to contact the YMCA about possible cost sharing, perform engineering sight‑distance analysis and return with a recommendation. Several board members offered to assist with stakeholder outreach.