Residents press Seat Pleasant council over school crossing safety, drainage and lighting

At a March 9 Seat Pleasant City Council meeting, residents pressed elected officials for action after repeated, unresolved safety problems near a neighborhood elementary school.

David McLeod, who spoke during the public-comment period, said sidewalk areas near the school hold water, several stop signs are ineffective and there are no clear school-zone signs or speed bumps where children walk. “You live I live in a school zone where you got little kids walking across the street every morning, every evening, and you don't have a decent sidewalk,” McLeod said, according to the meeting transcript.

City staff and council members acknowledged prior conversations about the route and safety measures. A councilmember and staff said a grant-funded mural planned for this spring delayed painting a crosswalk directly in front of the school to avoid having new paint removed when the mural is completed. “The mural is supposed to be put in by this summer, and we can look at how we can do that in parallel with the issues that our resident is also having,” City Manager French Bell said.

Public-works staff said they will research drainage sources and whether stormwater is coming from a private drain, a neighbor’s French drain, or another source, and will consult NCC (stormwater/roads) and the water utility mentioned in the discussion. Staff asked the resident to provide the exact address and photos or pole numbers to help the city and Pepco identify lighting issues.

Council members emphasized that some responsibilities — notably crossing guards and certain school property signage — fall under Prince George’s County Public Schools, while the city maintains stop signs and can pursue street-light repairs through Pepco. Councilwoman Kearney said the city should copy residents into follow-up communications so they can see that the issue is being addressed.

The chair of the public-safety committee noted the topic had been discussed previously by the committee and said staff would revisit the matter, including outreach to parents for volunteer crossing guards and coordination with Officer Miller, who works with the school. The council asked staff to report back with findings and next steps.

The meeting record shows staff committed to research and outreach but does not record a formal deadline for follow-up. Residents were instructed to submit photos and pole numbers to help the city and Pepco act on lighting complaints.

What happens next: staff will investigate drainage and signage responsibilities, coordinate with Prince George’s County Public Schools and Pepco as appropriate, and report back to the resident and council.