Photo by Mike Lamb

MARSHALL — When they came to a listening session on the future of Third Street in Marshall, local businesspeople had plenty of questions about whether the stoplight at the corner of Third Street and Main Street would stay where it is. But leaders of the listening session said their goal was really about gathering ideas for enhancing downtown.

“Our focus today is really going to be streetscaping,” said Maddie Dahlheimer of engineering firm Bolton & Menk.

On Wednesday morning, Marshall city staff and a team from Bolton & Menk met with members of the Marshall Downtown Business Association, community members and Marshall City Council members. They asked local businesspeople what they might like to see on Third Street in terms of design and landscaping.

Some of the topics discussed included the need for downtown parking, and ideas for lighting and sidewalks.

“We have a really nice downtown,” said Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce President Brad Gruhot.

It was important that Marshall’s downtown continue to attract people to visit and shop, he said. Parking availability was also an issue downtown, and businesses didn’t want to lose it.

In 2023, the city is planning to reconstruct the road and utility lines on West Lyon Street and North Third Street. Along with that project, city staff said they wanted to look at possible design work on Third Street. One possible idea suggested by a downtown property owner was to remove the stoplight at Main and Third.

On Wednesday, Bolton & Menk representatives said a study of the stoplight wasn’t complete yet. However, initial review of the traffic volumes at the intersection indicated the stoplight might not be necessary, they said. It was possible that other alternatives like pedestrian beacons could help control traffic at the intersection.

A total of five crashes have been reported at the Third Street/Main Street intersection over the past five years, city staff said.

Businesspeople shared practical concerns for Third Street as well as ideas to make the space unique.

“We can’t afford to lose one parking stall on Third Street,” agreed Chad Kulla, owner of the Bike Shop on Main Street.

Audience members said they liked the idea of using color or different concrete scoring patterns on Third Street sidewalks, and opportunities for seating. However, they were less supportive of having large permanent planters like the ones built along Main Street. Design features like additional lighting or an arch could help set Third Street apart, they said.

“I am very excited for this,” said Sarah Kesteloot, owner of the Rustic Hideaway Boutique.

“From the council’s perspective, we’re excited to see the opportunity to do some of these (suggestions),” said council member Craig Schafer.

City staff said there would be another listening session for the Third Street project later this summer, and a public information meeting in the fall.