Residents raise safety concerns about Locust Lane and church driveway; mayor flags park dirt bikes

Several residents spoke during public comment at the June 10 Red Lion Borough Council meeting about traffic and park-safety concerns.

Pastor Chris Nauta described a recent accident involving a Scout leader exiting St. Paul’s Church and a motorcycle; parked vehicles near the church exit limited visibility. The pastor suggested eliminating some nearby parking, changing driveway flow (noted in the minutes as not feasible), using temporary pedestrian crossing signage during events, or mounting a mirror across the street pending property-owner permission; he said he would research options and present ideas to the borough.

Resident Erica Gemmill raised repeated concerns about Locust Lane being used as an extension of the Rail Trail, which she said leads to frequent pedestrian, stroller and bicycle activity alongside speeding motorists. Council agreed to place the portable speed sign on Locust Lane that week and to discuss the Gemmills’ property turnaround at a scheduled meeting with engineer Jeff Shue, Assistant Borough Manager Michelle Poole and Borough Manager Dan Shaw.

Mayor Gene Lau separately noted dirt bikes in the park remain an ongoing problem and said he will reach out to Trooper Grothey for follow-up. Public-works staff said speed hump visibility repairs and timing of school crossing lights would be addressed.

What happens next: staff will deploy the portable speed sign, schedule a property-turnaround discussion for the Gemmill meeting, and research feasible measures to improve driveway exit visibility near the church.