Pedestrian improvements completed in downtown Silver Spring — Gazette.Net

As a major streetscape project along Fenton Street finishes, one member of the Silver Spring Urban District Advisory Committee says hes worried the way the sidewalk is built could create a tripping problem for pedestrians.

Street improvements and pedestrian access were part of the Fenton Village and Georgia Avenue Streetscape project along both sides of Fenton Street, from Wayne Avenue on the north to Philadelphia Avenue on the south.

During a committee meeting on Thursday, member Ernest Bland still had concerns about pedestrians not noticing that the curb extends six inches up from the sidewalk a step that he said could trip them.

The concern remains somebody tripping right there either from getting out of the car or more specifically walking along talking [on the phone], said Bland.

Roger Stanley, a senior planning specialist for the Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs who came to update the committee, said the curb has been discussed over and over again.

Not to say that things cannot be modified if we have any issues, Stanley said.

Stanley said the Fenton Village and Georgia Avenue Streetscape project is complete but still needs final walk-through approval from Maryland State Highway Administration officials. The project complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Stanley said.

Bland said the area is newer looking [and] it is crisper looking.... but the reality of it still remains a concern, said Bland.

Elements of the streetscape for the Fenton Village streetscape project included replacement of portions of existing sidewalk, driveways and adjoining curb and gutter. Also, installation of brick pavers, lighting and new trees and other landscape features, according to SilverSpringdowntown.com.

The project was divided into four phases.

Read more:
Pedestrian improvements completed in downtown Silver Spring -- Gazette.Net