Council prioritizes pedestrian lighting, speed-hump policy and final road bids; petitions for restored steps noted

At its Sept. 3 meeting, Forest Hills councilors advanced several public-works follow-ups: engineers reported paving progress and upcoming preconstruction meetings, a resident petition requesting restoration of steps was presented during public comment, and council asked staff to obtain bids and specifications for pedestrian safety pilots and to develop a speed-hump policy.

Engineer Dalton said award letters were issued for Ashley Court, Ardore Boulevard and Cheryl Lane and that preconstruction meetings should be scheduled this month; current paving work (Clover Alley, Rustic Alley, Service Road No. 2, Trenton Avenue) is nearing completion with sealing and thermoplastic to follow.

Resident Mike Belmont presented a petition from neighbor Gail Potter asking that the steps from Avenue B to Boulevard be restored; the resident asked the manager where to submit the petition. Council discussed coordinating the steps project with the grant committee and bringing it forward for a future bid.

On pedestrian safety, councilors weighed two approaches for lighting along Ardore Boulevard (between Bradock and Newport/Fillmore): a small pilot of three solar "bollard" lights to test coverage versus pole-mounted or Duquesne-light adjustments. Members requested product brochures, engineering review for siting and crash safety, and three quotes before any purchase.

Council also discussed speed-hump installations: the pilot on Cascade had a missing hump and required signage; staff will draft a formal policy and process to handle resident requests and determine when temporary versus permanent humps should be installed, especially when paving presents an opportunity.

Other items: the Tree and Shrub committee requested a quick hazard-tree assessment under the borough’s contract; councilors also asked the Wilkinsburg Joint Water Authority to provide fire-hydrant maintenance records to verify upkeep.