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Transportation committee proposes sidewalk scoring matrix, advances trail and outreach plans
Summary
The Transportation Advisory Committee briefed council on a proposed sidewalk-scoring matrix (safety, connectivity, ADA), outreach events and a Turks Head Trail rails‑to‑trails concept; commissioners will seek SEPTA input before pursuing feasibility studies or grant applications.
John Bridal, chair of the borough’s Transportation Advisory Committee, presented the committee’s progress and a slate of near‑term priorities.
The committee proposes a scoring matrix to rank sidewalk segments borough‑wide by safety, destination proximity, connectivity, right‑of‑way impacts and ADA compliance. "This model would allow you...to better understand through, various...the different categories of which we're scoring the blocks," Bridal said, arguing the matrix will help staff and council prioritize projects rather than rely on the loudest neighborhood demands.
Bridal described outreach conducted with the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission and a consultant called Connecting the Dots, pop‑up events at the Growers Market and a planned online survey to gather resident input. The committee also described the Turks Head Trail proposal — a rails‑to‑trails concept to run adjacent to the existing railroad and potentially connect the borough to Glen Mills — and said the committee asked Commissioner Moskowitz, who sits on SEPTA’s board, to request a preliminary SEPTA review for right‑of‑way concerns before a feasibility study.
Other near‑term items include testing delivery lane/double‑parking options for downtown and coordinating with West Chester University on new shuttle routes and a downtown loop. Bridal agreed to provide a written one‑page summary for new council members and staff.
Next steps: committee to provide a one‑page summary and to pursue SEPTA feedback before applying for Chester County planning grants for feasibility work.
