Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents press Absecon council for crosswalk at Heritage Park; officials address ambulance access and flag replacements
Summary
A resident urged the council to add a crosswalk and signal near Heritage Park to address limited sight lines; another public commenter raised concerns about ambulance access and flags at the 9/11 memorial. City officials pledged follow-up with the engineer and described flag replacement timing.
During the public-comment period on March 20, a resident who did not provide a name told the council that walking to Heritage Park requires crossing New Road at a bend near Delaware Avenue, where motorists have limited sight of pedestrians and there is no crosswalk. The resident said many neighbors walk to the park and asked the city to consider adding a crosswalk, signal or signage to improve safety.
The presiding officer (President) responded that he would connect the resident with the city engineer to begin a site review and follow the necessary survey and permitting process.
Later, Larry Lemaine of 512 Franklin Boulevard raised concerns about an ambulance that experienced delayed access because of double parking during school events and urged attention to traffic and parking near school entrances. He also asked about the condition and replacement of flags at the city’s 9/11 memorial.
Councilman Sykes said the city has an American flag on hand that could be replaced immediately if needed and noted that some non-American flags are in rougher condition; staff explained they may delay broader replacement until July to avoid having new flags damaged by winter storms, but that replacements can be ordered and installed quickly if necessary.
What happens next: The president said he would connect the crosswalk requester with the city engineer to initiate a review; staff and council members said they would follow up about ambulance access and flag replacement timing.
Why it matters: Pedestrian safety, emergency access, and proper memorial maintenance are routine municipal responsibilities that can require engineering study, traffic controls and budgeted maintenance. Residents asked for clearer, faster follow-up on these operational issues.
