MAGNOLIA SPRINGS - Magnolia Springs Community Association President Helen Soule attended the Nov. council meeting to make a request from the association for a sidewalk extension and a crosswalk leading from Jesse’s Restaurant and the Community Hall.

“The Association is in the process of trying to create a better outside space between St. Paul’s Church and the Community Hall,” she said. “As part of that, one of the things we’re looking to do is extend our sidewalk out front down to the right of way, and in connection with that we’d like for the town to bring the sidewalk around the corner on Oak Street.”

Soule stated many people will come to read the signs posted outside the Community Hall communicating town and event information, and that by extending the sidewalk it would make doing so safer for pedestrians. Between rentals or community groups, the Community Hall is increasing in usage and has something going on daily, Soule said.

In conjunction with the sidewalk, Soule says many pedestrians who dine at Jesse’s then walk across the street to read the Community Hall signs and posts. She says that section of Oak Street isn’t safe to cross, and she feels placing a crosswalk in the area would benefit foot traffic.

Councilmember Ben Dykema had concerns about the costs of these projects when Soule asked for council to pay for their completion. He expressed interest in the projects but suggested speaking further with the Community Association about potentially sharing the costs, which Soule agreed to.

It was decided a traffic engineer would be contacted by the council to examine Oak Street and give feedback on the addition of a crosswalk. Council feels it would be best located three or four meters beyond the stop signs as a safety measure. Mayor Kim Koniar expressed interest in extending the sidewalk as well as adding a crosswalk, suggesting obtaining a price for the projects and then further discussing them with the Community Association.