Traffic‑study meeting set after fatal crash prompts renewed focus on West Ward traffic calming

The borough’s public safety committee confirmed a final‑recommendations traffic‑study meeting for Monday, May 12 at 6:30 p.m. in the council chambers, pressing the point that the study’s proposals will be discussed in detail and that community attendance is encouraged.

Vice President May Curritio said committee members and residents discussed traffic issues in the West Ward — including a recent fatal crash that the committee memorialized with a moment of silence — and emphasized the need to select remedies that will be durable and effective. "We want to make sure that what we're doing is actually... the right thing," Curritio said, noting the committee's desire to avoid short-term fixes that must be reversed.

Curritio reported committee action to approve a handicap parking space at 524 West Third and to move forward a special-event plan for a Sept. 20 block party. The committee also received updates from the fire marshal and noted a low-angle-rescue drill scheduled at the skate park that evening.

Public commenters during the work session urged stronger enforcement and engineering changes. Dominic Priscilla, a resident and new father, spoke about traffic and safety culture, saying a neighbor "was killed by a driver" and urging council members to attend the Monday meeting. Another speaker raised downtown parking enforcement concerns (delivery vehicles occupying spots).

The traffic-study meeting is intended to review final recommendations; council members and staff emphasized the need to weigh cost and effectiveness before implementing improvements.