Commission considers West Chester flag/stencil pilot to highlight intersections and calm traffic

Staff presented three design concepts for painting intersection treatments—a West Chester flag underlay, a white brick pattern, or color bands tied to municipal signage—to increase pedestrian visibility and encourage slower driving at high‑use crossings.

The staff proposal emphasized low cost and ease of deployment: "The idea is my idea is that we go out to a stencil supplier... big stencils, mask sections off and paint," the staff presenter said, describing options for a blue/yellow flag motif or a simpler white brick pattern. Commissioners cautiously supported a single pilot location to test safety, cost and maintenance before broader roll‑out.

Why it matters: Commissioners said a painted treatment can act as perceived narrowing to slow traffic and can supplement other safety measures at locations used by children and transit users. But they asked staff to confirm jurisdictional approvals (public works, PennDOT if state roads are involved), analyze whether the colors could confuse pedestrians or conflict with ADA/handicap paint conventions, and verify that a painted treatment would not hinder fire‑truck turning radii.

Several commissioners suggested a conservative approach: choose one intersection, develop a design that avoids crosswalk confusion (for example, a single color underlay or a recessed circle), and coordinate with public works and emergency services. Staff was asked to cost out stencils, provide a 3‑D or photographic mock‑up, and return with a recommended pilot intersection and an implementation plan that lists permits and agency approvals.

Ending: The commission directed staff to refine designs, price stencil options and verify required approvals; members encouraged piloting one intersection and evaluating outcomes before any broader program.