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MACOMB, IL – The Macomb City Council chose not to install flashing warning lights at pedestrian crossings on two busy streets.
The city's Public Safety Committee recommended installation of flashing amber lights at the intersection of Grant and Maple Streets and on West Adams near Wigwam Hollow Road.
The vote against the Grant Street location was 5-4. Aldermen Don Wynn, Tom Koch, Dave Dorsett, Tim Lobdell and Dennis Moon against the lights. Aldermen Clay Hinderliter, Lou Gilbert, Kay Hill and Ryan Hansen voted for the lights.
The vote against the installation on West Adams Street was 5-3 with Koch abstaining. Aldermen Wynn, Moon, Gilbert, Dorsett and Lobdell voted against the lights. Aldermen Hansen, Hill and Hinderliter voted for the lights.
Fifth ward Alderman Dorsett said the current budget doesn't have money for the projects.
He said, "Even if this has significant amounts of support and even if it has a significant amount of validity, this should be part of the budget discussions going forward."
Dorset also said few pedestrians cross at either crossing.
Seventh ward Alderman Hinterliter said the Macomb School District estimates at least 11 students cross Grant Street at Maple every school day.
He responded to Dorsett, "If there's 11 people crossing that street a day that's 11 opportunities (for someone to be injured). I don't like it. You say you don't like it but you're not willing to do anything about it."
The lights would not have stopped traffic. Instead, they would have been activated by pedestrians to alert drivers to their presence.
The low bid for the installation of lights at both locations was $12, 080.