PEDESTRIAN WOES
“While checking the planter irrigation system with two public works employees, we decided to cross Monterey Road at Fifth Street. We had crossed halfway and then were forced to wait as seven southbound drivers failed to yield to us and I was even wearing my red safety vest!
The lighted pedestrian crossings in Gilroy are quite impressive. Morgan Hill could use a similar setup at the intersections not guarded by traffic signals. How possible is this?
I understand that at one time the city had installed an audio crossing system for people that are visually impaired. Could this be reinstated?”
Red Phone
The Red Phone spoke with Jim Ashcraft, city engineer and director of Morgan Hill public works. Ashcraft stated that the city looked into installation costs of the pedestrain lights in 2004. At that time, the cost was $100,000 for two crossings. That was a little more money than the city cared to spend at the time. The city opted for putting in the speed cushions on First and Third streets.
The Ecomonic Development Committee will be revisiting the feasibility of these crosswalks soon. With a $20 million budget, the committee may be taking a more serious look at it.
Caller, concerning the audible crossing system, there is one in place at the intersection of East Dunne Avenue and Monterey Road. Out of the four pedestrian crossings at that intersection, only one is currently operational because of maintenance problems. The eastbound pedestrian crossing on the southern side of the intersection works just fine, but pedestrians have to use the appropriate button to activate the chirping alarm.
Mori Struve, deputy director of the Morgan Hill Public Works Department, let us know that the electronics on the remaining crossings at that intersection will soon be repaired.
As far as more intersections having the same audible alarm system installed, we’ll have to see what is decided at the Economic Development Committee meeting.
RED CURB IS STILL THERE
“You had an answer in the Oct. 20 Red Phone column referring to the red curb in front of El Toro Elementary School on Main Avenue. It was to be painted over with grey paint or somehow removed. No action has been taken concerning this curb. It is still red? Can you look into this again for us?”
Red Phone
Mori Struve, deputy director for the Morgan Hill Department of Public Works and Operations, apologized for the delay. The curb has been water-blasted, but that effort did not remove all the red paint. Public Works has plans to sandblast the curb within the next two weeks.
ANOTHER PHONE NUMBER
“The Animal Control phone number of 779-2101 that you included in the Feb. 2 Red Phone column is for the incorporated area for City of Morgan Hill. There is another number you could use if you live in the unicorporated area of the county. This number is 465-2920. Thought this may come in handy for some residents.”
Red Phone
As always, the Red Phone appreciates when its readers call in to make sure our answers are complete and accurate. Thanks, caller.
Keep the Red Phone busy by calling us with your community concerns. Contact us at (408) 779-4106, ext. 206, or e-mail re******@*************es.com. Remember to leave a name and phone number when you call or e-mail. The Red Phone will not publish this information and will only use it for verification purposes.
