Betsy Akerson once asked the owner of the former Cafe Maude in southwest Minneapolis what he would to do ensure that nobody crossing busy Penn Avenue midblock near W. 54th Street got killed.
He was going to get some paint and paint a crosswalk, she recalled him saying.
That never happened, but if residents of the Armatage neighborhood had their way, they'd put that midblock crosswalk down right away. They'd also install in-street pedestrian signs and flashing lights to mark the crosswalk, lower the speed limit and have police vigorously ticket speeding drivers, who some say blow through the area well above the legal 30 mph.
The push to improve pedestrian safety near the bustling intersection — and discourage the common practice of jaywalking across the dark street — has taken on an added importance after Debra Skolos, 47, of Bloomington, was killed while crossing the street in February. It was the dominant topic of discussion at Tuesday's Armatage Neighborhood Association meeting.
"I am happy people are starting to look at it," said Akerson, who has had to dodge jaywalkers while driving. "Sadly, it took a loss of somebody to get the conversation going."
A combination of factors has led to residents' concerns.
Eateries such as Colita, Red Wagon Pizza Co., and the Book Club (formerly Cafe Maude) have brought increased traffic and put a pinch on parking. In winter, snowbanks encroach on the roadway, making for narrower traffic lanes. Pedestrians and people getting out of cars dash across the street rather than climb over mounds of snow to get to the sidewalk or take time to walk to the signalized crosswalk. Poor lighting makes it hard for drivers to see pedestrians.
In recent weeks, neighborhood association members have made a list of potential solutions. They have talked with business owners about encouraging their customers to cross only at crosswalks.
