December 5, 2019 City Commission Meeting

Announcements

• City Council meetings are held on the 📅 first and third Mondays of almost every month. Agendas are published on the city website and Facebook.
• New state laws protecting bicyclists went into effect on 📅 November 1.

Key Decisions & Votes

No formal decisions or votes were made during this meeting. The session was dedicated to public comments and commissioner discussion regarding the proposed Broadway Complete Street Project. Commissioners emphasized that the project is still in a proposed stage and has not been fully designed.

Financial Matters

• The proposed Broadway project is expected to cost a significant amount of money, potentially "millions of dollars."
• Concerns were raised about diverting funds from other committed infrastructure projects, particularly those north of town and on 45th Street, which were funded by a recent sales tax increase.
• The Mayor mentioned the use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts for downtown improvements, where increases in property taxes are reinvested into the area.
• The bike lanes themselves were noted as the "cheapest line item" of the overall project, primarily involving paint.

Public Comments

The public comment session focused heavily on the proposed Broadway Complete Street Project, which includes bike lanes, traffic calming, improved sidewalks, and enhanced lighting.

Support for the Broadway Project

• Improved Safety & Accessibility: Citizens expressed excitement for the project, citing unsafe existing sidewalks (e.g., for scooters) and the need for safer routes for walking and biking to downtown, church, and other destinations.
• Economic & Community Benefits: Supporters believe the project will lead to increased property values, increased spending at local businesses, reduced accidents, and a boost in community pride.
• Attracting Talent: The project is seen as crucial for attracting younger professionals ("Millennials") who prioritize communities with a high quality of life and modern infrastructure.
• Traffic Calming & Crime Reduction: The design elements are expected to naturally slow traffic, and improved lighting is anticipated to make neighborhoods safer and deter petty crime.
• Long-term Vision: Many see the project as a vital step for Shawnee's future growth and development, aligning with initiatives like the Blue Zones project.

Opposition and Concerns Regarding the Broadway Project

• Loss of Residential Parking: This was the most significant concern, with residents on Broadway fearing the loss of curbside parking for visitors, family gatherings, garage sales, delivery trucks, service vehicles, and especially for handicapped family members.
• Property Values: Opponents argued that losing parking would decrease property values and make homes harder to sell, contradicting studies cited by proponents.
• Communication & Public Awareness: Many residents stated they were unaware of the project discussions over the past two years, feeling that communication was insufficient.
• Cost & Funding Priorities: Questions were raised about the substantial cost of the project and whether funds could be better spent on existing infrastructure needs or other beautification efforts.
• Bicyclist Behavior: Some commenters noted that bicyclists often do not obey existing traffic laws, raising doubts about the effectiveness of dedicated lanes.
• Impact on Events: Concerns were voiced about how the project would affect traditional events like Halloween, which draws large crowds to Broadway.
• "Not Your Street": The Mayor clarified that Broadway belongs to all residents of Shawnee, not just those who live on it, and that property lines stop at the street.

Agenda Summary Table