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West Chester TAC proposes weighted sidewalk-scoring system after 581-response survey
Summary
The Transportation Advisory Committee presented a sidewalk-prioritization scoring matrix and survey results showing safety and connectivity as top public concerns; the committee asked council to adopt the matrix for use in grant applications and to guide repairs by ward.
John O’Brien, chair of the Transportation Advisory Committee, told the Borough Council at its May 18 working session that a citizen survey of 581 respondents showed safety and connectivity are the community’s top transportation priorities and that sidewalk maintenance—especially brick sidewalks—is a recurring concern. “Safety and connectivity were the most important factors that people wanted to see,” O’Brien said, noting 87% of respondents drive, 75% walk and that 66% of respondents were homeowners who had lived in town 20-plus years.
The TAC recommended a six‑criterion scoring matrix to evaluate each sidewalk segment by ward so the borough can prioritize repairs and better justify grant applications. Brandon Emig, a TAC member, explained the criteria: safety (roadway type and visibility), destination proximity (schools, grocery stores, downtown), connectivity (missing segments and trail links), right‑of‑way impacts (number of affected property owners), feasibility/cost (utilities, tree work, construction cost), and ADA compliance. “We have them listed by ward,” Emig said. “Our goal is to score all the sidewalks and then work with borough staff to determine grant funding to start implementing improvements.”
The presentation included specific findings: 60% of survey respondents said they currently have no interest in electric vehicles or public EV charging, while many respondents said they would consider biking if protected bike lanes and parking were available. O’Brien and Emig highlighted a safety example on the 600 block of West Gay Street where a short missing segment forces students onto the roadway, increasing risk during school arrival and dismissal.
Council members asked how the scoring is produced and verified; O’Brien said TAC members completed initial scoring and borough staff would later verify results in the field. Emig said the ranking is compiled in an Excel-based tool with adjustable weighting to let the council emphasize factors such as safety over right-of-way impact. TAC reported it has finished scoring several boards and expects to complete remaining wards within a month.
The TAC asked the council to approve the scoring matrix so staff may attach it to future grant applications as evidence of a methodical, equitable prioritization process. If the council approves, staff will begin using the matrix to schedule site visits, refine cost estimates, and include the ranking in grant submissions. The council scheduled further review of the scoring tool and asked TAC to provide example scored segments at the next meeting.
