Onalaska board refers Mason Street crosswalk request to staff for engineering and stakeholder review

After public comment from Eagle Crest North residents, the Onalaska Board of Public Works and Utilities on Nov. 4 voted unanimously to refer a request for a marked crossing on Mason Street (300/400 block) back to staff for further review and stakeholder outreach.

Deb Taylor, campus administrator at Eagle Crest North (351 Mason St.), presented a letter from a resident urging a crossing close to the YMCA to shorten the route for seniors and residents with mobility limitations. Jared Holter presented staff findings and a map; staff said the city generally prefers crosswalks at intersections and rarely installs mid‑block crossings, citing sight-distance, driveway conflicts and parking. Holter said any crosswalk would require ADA ramps, signage and likely parking adjustments; he opposed installing a crosswalk in the driveway itself.

Board discussion ranged over safety, likely use by people who already cross mid‑block, potential removal of a YMCA parking stall, and the level of treatment needed to make a mid‑block crossing effective. Police Chief Chuck Ashback and others said a painted crosswalk alone would likely be insufficient given sight-line and heavy parking on the south side; Ashback recommended a bump‑out and lighting/beacons if a mid‑block crossing is pursued. Staff estimated basic ADA ramp work at about $2,000 and sign/paint at roughly $2,500; rapid flashing beacons were estimated at $15,000–$25,000 depending on configuration.

The board directed staff to contact the YMCA about possible cost sharing, perform engineering sight‑distance analysis and return with a recommendation. Several board members offered to assist with stakeholder outreach.