Two residents who spoke during public comment on Sept. 16 urged the city to add seating and safety measures at a bus stop by Second and New streets and suggested the city examine other stops lacking benches.

Sean Kernan, who said he regularly travels between West Bethlehem and the Northampton Community College FabLab, described a bus stop near the on-ramp at Second and New where riders — including a pregnant woman he noticed that day — had no place to sit. “I think the city should seriously consider finding some kind of solution for that bus stop and maybe others,” Kernan said during public comment.

Council members and staff later discussed the request. Community and Economic Development and Public Works staff said they are aware of the stop, and that benches or transit amenities can be considered; staff also encouraged residents to report recurring safety or near‑miss problems so staff can log complaints and evaluate whether a traffic study is warranted.

What the city offers now
- The city said its Citizens Traffic Advisory Committee meets monthly and can be a venue for residents to raise recurring safety concerns.
- Public works staff said near-miss reports and complaints are aggregated and that documented accident history usually triggers traffic-engineering studies; the health bureau also conducts pedestrian observation “stings” to evaluate crosswalk and pedestrian-safety concerns.

What residents asked for
Residents requested a bench or shelter, clearer pedestrian access and consideration of traffic enforcement or camera monitoring at the intersection because they said motorists frequently violate traffic controls and one-way signs. Council members recommended that residents file formal complaints so staff can compile evidence that would trigger evaluations or targeted enforcement.

Ending note: staff encouraged residents to submit detailed observations and to use the Citizens Traffic Advisory Committee and the city’s complaint channels; staff said small, targeted studies and enforcement are options when sufficient documentation supports a safety problem.