GARDEN CITY, Idaho — A proposed crossing at Chinden Boulevard and E. 43rd Streetis raising concern with Garden City Police. Chief Cory Stambaugh tells Idaho News 6 that he believes the project would cause more problems for pedestrians and traffic if added to the busy intersection.
- The crossing would bring medians, lights, and a new path across Chinden
- The proposed crossing is federally funded and the current planned construction year for the crossing is 2025
- Public comment is still being accepted for the project. You can voice your view here
(Below is the transcript from the broadcast story)
"Any time you add a signal, traffic signal or pedestrian signal, that can create issues with traffic," said Cory Stambaugh, Garden City police chief.
The proposed pedestrian crossing at Chinden and 43rd street aims to help kids safely cross the busy east-west corridor near several schools and the nearby Boys & Girls Club, But Garden City Police chief Cory Stambaugh says other roads in the area may be a better fit for additional crosswalks.
"There is a lot more foot traffic from students going from Anser across Adams so they can get to the Boys & Girls Club," said Stambaugh.
On the other side of the proposed project, business owners at Cobby's Sandwich Shop say safer routes on this section of Chinden Boulevard could help Garden City continue to grow.
"It gives them a safe place to cross the street and like I said before it is a very very busy intersection," said Carlos Almaraz, owner of Cobby's Sandwich Shop.
"It shows that we are reinvesting some of our tax money into the city and our infrastructure and it actually really helps lighten up the place," said Almaraz.
Owner Carlos Almaraz hoping to see more projects down the pipeline to make Garden City a more valued part of the Treasure Valley.
"Why not be one of the crown jewels in its crown," said Almaraz.
But chief Stambaugh says with safety in mind there remain concerns and although an added crosswalk is convenient for people who walk and bike, a nearby crosswalk at Veterans Memorial Parkway and Chinden does the job just fine.
"Having another access point just 900 feet away from one we already have seems like a nice thing to have but not a necessity," said Stambaugh.
