The Beverly Hills City Council agreed to move forward with plans to install a mid-block crosswalk near the North Maple Drive post office to improve street safety.

Council members and residents said they’ve seen people jaywalking across the street to get to the post office on North Maple Drive, leading to the discussion about adding a crosswalk during the council’s study session this week. (photo from Google Maps)

Councilwoman Lili Bosse, who called the situation “an emergency,” said she spent an hour observing the street. She was “shocked” at how many people jaywalked to the post office.

“This is something we need to do,” Bosse said.

A Beverly Hills resident, David Gingold, requested months ago that the city install a mid-block crosswalk on Third Street, between Foothill Road and Maple Drive, next to the post office.

“It is dangerous crossing there without a crosswalk,” he said.

Gingold has been especially concerned about the lack of parking on the 9200 block of Third Street for people with disabilities near the post office, located at 325 N. Maple Drive, forcing them to walk down the block to access the nearest crosswalk.

Beverly Hills resident Vera Markowitz was among the public commenters who supported the addition of a crosswalk.

“It’s critical for the residents,” she said. “I think it’s critical for everyone who uses the post office.”

Former Councilwoman Nancy Krasne wrote to the council to support the crosswalk.

“This will now make it a safer environment and legal to cross,” she said.

Councilman Lester Friedman said he’d prefer to hold off on a crosswalk pending further analysis. Construction at 325 N. Maple Drive has been ongoing and is scheduled for completion in mid-September, according to city staff. The building’s parking entrance, which has been closed during construction, is tentatively scheduled to open next week. It will include 19 parking spaces, including two handicapped-accessible spaces in its underground parking garage. Elevator access to the building lobby will also be available.

Mayor Julian Gold said he’s watched people park and leave their cars running as they dart across the street to the post office and back. He said he is “skeptical” about the effect a mid-block crosswalk would have.

“I will be surprised if putting a crosswalk there actually changes people’s behavior,” he said.

Two residents in the area contacted City Hall to express their opposition to the crosswalk, and one in favor. Another nearby property owner was open to it if “it is necessary for improved access and pedestrian safety.”

The cost for a mid-block crosswalk with bulbouts, which extend the sidewalk slightly into the street to narrow the crosswalk distance, is $166,800, according to city staff. A mid-block raised crosswalk would be $160,900.

City Manager Mahdi Aluzri said city staff will return to the council with design options.