Plans are coming together to reduce traffic congestion around Silver Beach in St. Joseph this summer.
St. Joseph City Manager Emily Hackworth and Berrien County Administrator Brian Dissette briefed St. Joe City Commissioners Monday on the latest discussions they’ve held, and a centerpiece of the new plan is to turn Broad Street below the bluff into a one-way street. Hackworth said it’ll be all westbound approaching the beach.
“We would have two lanes that would be used to move vehicles,” Hackworth said. “The north side is a lane that lines up directly with the entrance to Silver Beach. The left lane, closer to the fountain, is a lane that would be for left turn movements.”
Another part of the plan is to have two feeder lanes at the park entrance with staff at the ready to approach cars on busy days, rather than only having a park attendant taking admission fees at the booth. Also, Hackworth outlined a variety of changes to pedestrian traffic that she said will help vehicle traffic flow more smoothly. Some sidewalks would be removed and replaced with berms and other landscaping to keep people on designated walkways.
Dissette told commissioners the county is not yet ready to commit to having a meter system to take payments at the park, noting about half of park entrants pay with cash. He also wouldn’t commit to erecting an electronic sign above the bluff to notify drivers when the lot is full. Still, three of five commissioners said the new plan represents real progress. They later voted to approve a Planned Unit Development amendment requested for the concessions area so improvements can be made this year. It was previously tabled due to ongoing traffic talks.
Commissioner Tess Ulrey voted no on the concessions project Monday, telling us more needs to be done to address traffic first.
“I don’t think it is responsible for us to our residents to make any changes to anything at Silver Beach until we address the parking problem,” Ulrey said. “We’re introducing too many variables at that point and ultimately we have to listen to our residents.”
Commissioner Michael Fernandez also voted no, saying the plan from the county is only a half measure. Still, with a three to two vote, the concessions work can be done. The park concession operator is seeking to add a patio on the east side of the concessions building, seating for more than 20 people, two sunshades, two cargo containers for more sales, and a food truck to the concessions area.
Commissioners took no votes Monday on the Silver Beach proposals as the presentation from Hackworth and Dissette was only intended as an update.
Below are some slides from Monday’s presentation showing details of the proposed changes:
