The purpose of this project is to implement recommendations from the Safe Routes to School Walk Audit for Naomi Brooks Elementary School. This project is being advanced at this time in coordination with the repaving of Russell Road. 

Limited parking removal is proposed near intersections to improve visibility and safety at crosswalks. This is to ensure that people crossing can see and be seen by drivers.  The City is not proposing to remove all parking on Russell Road. 

Yes. To better understand potential impacts, the City conducted a parking occupancy study on typical midweek school days (Tuesday through Thursday) during morning, evening, and nighttime periods when residents would be most likely to be at home. The analysis found that parking utilization was consistently low throughout the study period. The highest occupancy observed was 34% of the 122 available parking spaces, meaning approximately two-thirds of spaces remained available even during the busiest time surveyed. Most other observation periods showed occupancy levels between 15% and 28%, with several periods below 20%. 

Under Concept 1, four parking spaces would be removed, representing approximately 3% of the total parking supply. Concept 2 removes more parking, 19.5 spaces or 16%. Based on the observed parking demand, the data indicates that the proposed change can be accommodated while maintaining ample parking availability (50% or more during the most parked times) for residents and visitors. 

More information is available on the parking study map. 

Staff is aware that the Safe Routes to School walk audit calls for a raised crossing at West Masonic View Avenue. This is a costlier treatment that is not currently funded. Staff will consider seeking grant funding for this treatment in the future. 

A painted curb extension is a treatment that uses paint to visually extend the sidewalk into the street near intersections. This is a common treatment that shortens the pedestrian crossing distance, improves visibility, and slows down turning vehicles. Often, these treatments are paired with a vertical element like flexible posts to help reinforce and protect the pedestrian space. 

A median refuge island is protected, raised concrete median that creates a “refuge” between travel lanes. This allows people walking to cross the street one lane at a time, narrows the total crossing distance, calms traffic, and improves visibility.  

Both concepts introduce new traffic calming features on Russell Road, including painted curb extensions and/or median refuge islands. Both of these treatments would provide traffic calming effects by providing a physical and visual treatment that is proven to slow drivers down, while also improving visibility and safety for parents and children crossing Russell Road. It is possible that these could replace at least some of the speed cushions on Russell Road. However, that is not required, and these treatments do not need to be exchanged for one another. After the comment period has closed, staff will explore retaining the speed humps in combination with new painted curb extensions and/or median refuge islands. 

Yes. All crosswalks across Russell Road will be upgraded to high visibility markings as part of this project. 

Community engagement is currently ongoing in May-June 2026. Any modifications to on-street parking would require approval at a future Traffic and Parking Board Public Hearing. Construction is anticipated in Spring 2027 as part of the repaving process.