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The city is set to liven up some of its crosswalks in the waterfront redevelopment area with colors and artwork, including crosswalks at the three-way intersection of Cookman and Asbury Avenues and Kingsley Street [shown above].

“The intent is to draw attention to pedestrian crossings,” city redevelopment and planning director Don Sammet said at the Aug. 1 council meeting. “We count ourselves as a pedestrian-friendly community with mass transt and we’re always trying to make the city more walkable.”

Sammet presented the idea to the council during the workshop session of the meeting and the governing body later voted to approve the program.

“Normally, crosswalks have typical white striping,” Sammet said. “Other [communities] have given more of an artistic approach where crosswalks are designed in a way that they attract more attention.”

Sammet hopes to “try this concept around the Vive [condominium site], Kingsley Street, Asbury Avenue and Cookman Avenue,” he said.

The proposed pattern incorporates colors that match other design aspects of the town, Sammet said. The design will be painted onto the road for easy removal if officials choose not to continue the project.

Some communities have painted swirls or piano keys on the ir crosswalks. “The sky’s the limit as long as it draws attention to the crosswalk,” Sammet said.

“I think this is a great idea,” Mayor Ed Johnson said. “I’d like to see this across the city and I’d like to see it in the waterfront, and at the middle school or senior center … I would like to see this throughout our city.”

Sammet plans to work with ArtsCAP, the Chamber of Commerce or other arts groups to get the program up and running, he said.

The governing body voted unanimously to approve the program.

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