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Bradley Beach presenter pitches intersection mural art to calm traffic and engage students
Summary
Lauren Saracine told the council a proposal to paint an intersection mural near the elementary school and library could improve pedestrian safety, create a community art project and involve students; the police chief endorsed the safety goal but urged checks for liability and traffic-control impacts.
Lauren Saracine, introduced to the council as a borough-affiliated presenter, outlined a proposal to install intersection “asphalt art” at the library/St. James Church crossing near Bradley Beach Elementary School, saying the work could provide traffic calming and boost driver awareness.
“Safety,” Saracine told the council, “the asphalt art study published in 2022 … confirms this practice provides traffic calming measures, it’s group driver awareness, and promotes safer driving in pedestrian zones.” She said the site is heavily visited by school classes and library programs and that the project could be a visible, community-driven way to make the walking route safer and more inviting.
Saracine named local collaborators she said had been consulted, including the school principal and library staff, and said she had socialized the idea with residents and the police department while researching feasibility. She said she has not finalized a budget, and would pursue grants, community fundraising and donations while asking the borough whether it could provide some financial support.
Police Chief Arnold spoke in support of the safety goal but cautioned the council to avoid interference with traffic-control devices. “As long as it doesn’t impede on any traffic control devices … crosswalks, signage, you know, any pavement markings that are controlling traffic,” he said, the chief adding that he had discussed liability and design with the town engineer and attorney and consulted examples from neighboring jurisdictions.
Council members asked about durability, maintenance and materials — citing tires, oil, sun exposure and snow as threats to painted murals — and whether murals could encourage people to stop in the travel lane for photos. Saracine said the artist team and subject-matter experts would advise on slip-resistant paints and maintenance schedules, that initial maintenance might be handled by the artist with DPW assistance, and that the work is not intended to be permanent.
The council did not take formal action at the meeting but signaled interest in the concept and encouraged further study of cost, materials, liability limitations and community outreach. Council members and the presenter agreed a smaller pilot project near the school or a playground mural could be an approachable first step before expanding to a full intersection treatment.
