Residents raised safety concerns around McPhail Road and Homestead Park during public comment at the July 3 Bel Air Planning Commission meeting, urging the town to request county action for improved signage, a marked crossing and other traffic‑calming measures.

A resident said sight distance from the road approach toward the park is limited and that drivers are traveling faster than in the past, requesting an additional double‑sided park sign on the park side of the road and a marked crosswalk closer to the park entrance. The resident noted the road is a county road, so the town can only request—not unilaterally implement—changes. “I would appreciate it,” the resident said, asking the commission to make a request to the county.

Commissioners and residents recalled a federally funded Safe Streets for All study that examined several intersections and suggested larger changes to Bond Street, including the possibility of reducing lane capacity in places. Staff said the town hopes to pursue applicable state grant opportunities after some federal funding was curtailed.

Public commenters also described specific locations on Bond and Thomas streets where crosswalk visibility and stop/ speed signs are obscured after recent street work. A resident recounted two incidents in that corridor in which they were struck or bumped by vehicles at or near crosswalks, urging the town to consider alternatives such as avoiding mid‑block crossings where sight lines are poor and evaluating speed cushions or other calming measures.

Commission staff confirmed McPhail Road is county owned and said the town could forward resident requests to the county for evaluation. Commissioners requested traffic consultant input and noted possible timing delays for traffic studies until street work is complete.

The commission did not take formal action during the meeting on the park requests; staff said they would forward resident concerns and explore grant options and consultant recommendations.