Residents urge fixes at Warrensville–Silsbee crosswalk near City Hall; council asks police to follow up

Residents told the University Heights City Council Tuesday that the pedestrian crossing at Warrensville Center Road and Silsbee — adjacent to City Hall, the fire station and Walter Stinson Community Park — is unsafe and needs repairs or redesign.

Calla Schulte, a nearby resident, said the crosswalk signals are “frequently don't work” and that turning drivers have “no grace period” between the right‑turn arrow and pedestrians’ walk phase; she said she crosses there with grandchildren and a double stroller and fears for safety.

Elizabeth Englehart, who lives at 2328 Glendon Road, said she walks the route daily and has “almost been hit by turning cars almost every time I cross.” Englehart described a timing conflict in which a green light on Washington and a pedestrian “walk” indication occur simultaneously, producing risky turning movements into the crosswalk.

Englehart told council she assembled a packet of photos and proposed “tactical urbanism” fixes — including high‑visibility paint and additional signage — and offered to work with the city on funding and insurance requirements for volunteer improvements.

Vice Mayor asked Chief Rogers to follow up directly with the residents and to investigate signal repairs and possible short‑term safety measures. No formal council action was taken; staff were asked to meet with the commenters and report back.

Why it matters: the intersection is a primary route to Walter Stinson Community Park, a flat loop favored by older residents for exercise. Multiple speakers stressed the risk to older adults, small children and other pedestrians if visibility and signal timing are not addressed.

Next steps: residents requested relocation or repair of the crosswalk, clearer signal phasing and neighborhood notification about any repairs. Council staff and public-safety officials said they will inspect the site and follow up with the speakers.