Community engagement
In early 2025, the project team collected feedback on the proposed changes to Central Ave. through an online survey, business outreach, community pop-ups, and in-person and virtual public meetings. Below are some of the key takeaways from what we heard. To see the proposed changes, visit the potential design webpage.
Lane reduction
The public was split on reducing the roadway from two lanes in each direction to one, but most felt that improving safety was important. Reducing the number of lanes will improve safety by simplifying a complicated intersection with designated turn lanes and fewer lanes for pedestrians to cross at one time.
Bicycle and pedestrian improvements
Throughout public engagement, bicycle and pedestrian amenities and boulevard/green space were highly prioritized by community members.
- When asked what would improve conditions for all ages and abilities travelling along Central Ave., the top three priorities were a consistent pedestrian route, trees, and a consistent bicycle route.
Trees and greenery
There was strong support for adding and maintaining trees along Central Ave. and increasing greenery throughout the project area.
Parking
On- street parking tended to be either people’s last or top priority for Central Ave.
- While nearly half of respondents ranked parking as their lowest priority, almost a quarter said it was their top priority for the project area.
- Businesses were particularly concerned about potential loss of parking.
- We were able to retain parking on both sides of Central Ave. in the 18th Ave. to 27th Ave. section based on available roadway space and community priorities.
Roundabouts
Feedback on roundabouts was mixed, from the survey, public meeting, and business outreach.
- Many respondents shared concerns about bike and pedestrian safety. These concerns were echoed at in-person engagement events.
- Some respondents noted that they have concerns about multi-lane roundabouts but supported single-lane roundabouts. Others shared concerns about congestion with the single-lane option.
- Many noted that they would need to learn more about roundabouts, indicating that further public engagement and education would be beneficial.
Right-in right-out at 8th St.
Adding a center median to limit the intersection to right-in, right-out from 8th St. was generally accepted by the public.
- About half of participants shared that there would be no impact on their use of Central Ave. with these changes, and nearly one third said they would start using this intersection as bicyclists and pedestrians.
- There was strong support for safety improvements in this area.
3rd Ave. closure
Most engagement participants shared that closing the right turn onto 3rd Ave. from Central Ave. would not impact their use of Central Ave.
- Businesses were concerned about the potential loss of access to 3rd Ave. and requested that parking be maintained.
- There was strong support for bicycle and pedestrian improvements in this area.
32nd Ave. closure
The majority of engagement participants were either okay with this change or would see no impact to their use of Central Ave.
- There was strong support for increasing pedestrian and bicyclist safety at this intersection, especially regarding the trail connection.
Reservoir Blvd. closure
The closure of Reservoir Blvd. was generally accepted by the public. According to the survey, the closure of Reservoir Blvd. was popular among non-users but divided among frequent users.
- Business owners in the area did not have strong feelings about the closure.
- There was a strong desire for bicycle and pedestrian improvements in this area.
Median at 50th and 52nd Ave.
In late 2024 and early 2025, we asked what people thought about constructing a median at 50th and 52nd Ave. if a roundabout was installed at 49th Ave.
- About half of survey respondents were okay with the median restricting left turns, resulting in a right turn and U-turn at the roundabout.
- About a third of respondents thought this was a mistake and would prefer traffic signals.