Struthers seeks public input on 5th Street "safer routes" plan to improve student walking and biking

Mayor Miller told the Struthers City Council that the city is inviting public comment on proposed safety improvements along Pullen (Pull?) and 5th Street to help students walk and bike to school.

"This project is designed to improve safety for students walking and biking to school," Mayor Miller said, describing new 7-foot sidewalks on the east side of Pullen Brothers Road from Beachwood Drive to Pullen Avenue and an 11-foot shared-use path on the east side of 5th Street from Pullen Avenue to Elm Street. He said the plan also includes curb bump-outs, street trees, speed cushions, curb reconstruction, new drive aprons, pavement markings, raised crosswalks and minor storm and sewer work.

The mayor said the proposed path would replace existing sidewalk and that the project team will post maps and detailed information as they are finalized. He asked residents to submit comments through the city website and social channels; comments are requested by May 23.

Council members raised immediate operational questions about parking and school pickup patterns. One councilor asked whether the city had coordinated with the middle school on a new parking plan; Mayor Miller said the city has met with school staff (he referenced Keith Brown) and expects to publish details after July 4, and that the school had discussed installing bike racks.

The council did not take any formal vote on the project during the meeting. Next steps, according to the mayor, are to finalize maps and public materials and to continue stakeholder meetings before construction.