First Public Meeting

On June 29, 2023, the project team hosted a public meeting to present the initial design alternatives for the Arctic Avenue Plan. You can review all of the information presented at that meeting and the result of the public input period below.

The design team has come up with two alternatives for the Commercial District and the Residential Districts.

How did we come up with these designs?

  • Conducted off-season traffic counts in spring 2023. (Will complete a second traffic count during peak tourist season.)

  • Analyzed crash data to see where accidents have taken place.

  • Completed a walking audit in May 2023 to get a better understanding of how bicyclists, pedestrians, and golf carts interact with vehicles.

  • Held a stakeholder meeting in June 2023 to hear from community leaders on their experiences with Arctic Avenue.

  • Reviewed the comments we have received thus far.

All of this information helped to create alternatives that meet the purpose of the project: improve safety, mobility, and accessibility for all users along Arctic Avenue.

Commercial District

2nd Street West to 2nd Street East

Residential District

2nd Street East to 12th Street East and West Arctic Avenue from 2nd Street West to 3rd Street West

Comment Summary

Throughout the 32-day public input period, we received 43 comments. Majority of the comments regarding the Commercial and Residential Districts favored Alternative 2: a multiuse path on the south (beach) side of Arctic Avenue. Most comments favored Alternative 2 and sited safety reasons: they like that those walking along Arctic Avenue could access the beach without crossing the road.

The below chart breaks the comments into percentage of support for each alternative.

Safety

Several comments voiced concerns about safety, specifically in regards to wrong way driving, visibility, and speeding. The team recognizes these concerns and is looking at ways to address them with an innovative, cost efficient, and comprehensive improvements. We will provide more safety details once we have narrowed the plan to one alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • All of the alternatives provide the necessary roadway clearance to allow for emergency vehicles.

  • In February 2021, City Council recognized the importance of improving the safety, mobility, and accessibility of the island's primary ocean front street. Council prioritized Arctic Avenue at this time because of the large number of cars, golf carts, pedestrians, and bicyclist who use this street for beach access and parking. The variety of users create an increased risk for accidents. The plan focuses solely on improving Arctic Avenue.

  • No, none of the proposed alternative eliminates shoulder parking.

Thank you again for your feedback regarding the Arctic Avenue Plan.