Chester public works committee tables ordinance, orders temporary signage for Tillman Street traffic concerns

The Chester Public Works Committee met June 23 and took steps to address residents' complaints about speeding on the 1300 block of Tillman Street, moving to table formal ordinance adoption while pursuing temporary signage and traffic studies.

Resident Tanisha Palmer told the committee she came to “raise the concerns for the community as it relates to the driving, and safety policies up on the 1300 Block Of Tillman Street,” and emphasized the risk to local children, including several who are autistic.

Public Works Director Andrew Heyman said he reviewed traffic-calming policies used elsewhere and recommended drafting a local ordinance modeled on a Concord Township, Delaware County, ordinance. Heyman told the committee that he would propose lowering Concord’s petition threshold — which requires 90% of residents on a block to sign for a speed study — to “50% plus 1.” He also proposed purchasing radar signs for speed studies and deterrence and suggested including funding in the 2026 capital budget.

Heyman described the multi-step process he recommends: a…