Residents raise traffic, permit and library concerns during Riverside public comment period

During the April 20 public comment period, six residents spoke about neighborhood safety, municipal services and private permits.

Jared Ainsworth said drivers use Fairview and Polk Streets as cut-throughs and asked whether signage or other measures could address the problem. Administrator Meghan Jack said those streets are public through-streets and that "no through traffic" signage would be difficult to enforce; she added that the construction project timeline is a 60‑day contract but utility work may affect completion.

Giocomino Ruff commended Chief David Jaensch and the Police Department for their response during a recent school lockdown. Joceyln Abbot of 302 Lippincott Avenue urged the township to review library hours and organizational support, and Administrator Jack offered to provide contact information for the librarian and library board president.

Ed Berryann of 120 Polk Street questioned whether police presence at a construction site is an unnecessary taxpayer expense; Administrator Jack said the street project is funded through grants and capital budget money and that police presence is a safety measure. Thomas Fox raised multiple concerns including hazardous trees at the cemetery, requests for additional street sweeping on Leach and speeding on Leach; Administrator Jack said the township will investigate tree maintenance, sweeping and permit status for work at the "Old Derby's" bar. David Green requested street sweeping on Kossuth Street and asked about permits for recent garage and fence work; Administrator Jack said she would investigate the properties and permit records.

The committee closed public comment with no immediate action motions recorded; several items were assigned to staff for follow up.