Updates: New Crosswalk Coming Soon to Perkins & Ferndale
In a meaningful step toward improving pedestrian safety and neighborhood connectivity, Councilwoman Jen Racca has helped secure funding to build a new crosswalk—complete with a hybrid pedestrian beacon—at the intersection of Ferndale and Perkins. This development comes through close collaboration with the Mayor’s office, civic partners, and the community-led group Perk Up Perkins.
The idea for a safer crossing has long been championed by residents along the Perkins Road corridor through Perk Up Perkins, who pushed for a marked crosswalk and beacon to help folks cross more safely. Thanks to grassroots organizing (including a petition with nearly 700 signatures), walk audits, public meetings, and strong advocacy, the project gained traction.
Councilwoman Racca took up the cause, working directly with the Mayor’s office and municipal staff to ensure the necessary approvals, engineering, and funding would move forward. The approved plan calls for:
An improved crosswalk at Ferndale & Perkins
A hybrid pedestrian beacon to increase visibility and safety
Better signage, striping, and pedestrian amenities in the area
Crossing Perkins Road is especially challenging for folks with mobility limitations, parents with children, and anyone walking to nearby businesses. By installing this safer crossing, the city is not only enhancing public safety — it’s also affirming the value of a walkable, human-scaled street environment.
This project shows how leadership, partnership, and community voice can come together to get things done:
Residents provided the initial push through petitions, demonstrations, and public engagement
Perk Up Perkins organized and elevated the vision, helping to maintain momentum
Councilwoman Racca championed the issue and secured funding commitments
Mayor’s office and city departments delivered the technical support and approvals
The crosswalk at Ferndale & Perkins is expected to be constructed soon—bringing the safe crossing that residents have hoped for. As that becomes reality, the next focus will be widening the improvements: connecting sidewalks, improving adjacent crossings, and making the entire Perkins corridor more pedestrian-friendly.
This is more than infrastructure: it’s an investment in community, in access, and in quality of life. And it underscores what’s possible when citizens, elected leaders, and civic organizations work together.
