MONROE — The city’s public safety committee is considering a number of measures to further control traffic in key areas, due in part to recent development.

One of the measures is for the installation of a mid-block pedestrian crosswalk on 8th Avenue, 500 feet South of 6th Street.  The crosswalk was proposed by the nearby assisted living facility, officials said. 

At issue is the increased traffic from the busy Kwik Trip gas station and store as well as the new bank being built adjacent to Walgreens, where a number of assisted living residents walk to for prescriptions and other needs.

“They are concerned with the increased traffic due to Kwik Trip as well as the new bank,” said Alan Gerber, the city’s public works director.

The proposal, which was approved by the committee and will be considered by the full council, calls for curb cuts, and signage. Officials suggested perhaps a flashing light also be installed but that would be a costly option — according to Gerber, a flashing sign would cost the city upwards of $9,000.

In addition to the crosswalk proposal, Ald. Andrew Kranig raised the idea — also at the committee’s Oct. 24 hearing — of a possible stop sign for placement on southbound 3rd Avenue, at the intersection of 10 1/2 Street, behind Pick ‘N Save. 

“Some businesses in the area have had close calls,” said Police Chief Fred Kelley, adding that much of the traffic is made up of semis going to and from nearby businesses, including a cold storage facility.

Kranig agreed, saying that “if there is an accident it will be bad because it usually involves a semi.”