Residents urge safety fixes at Magna school crosswalks and problem parking on neighborhood streets

Several Magna residents used the Jan. 27 council meeting to press for concrete safety improvements near school crossings and on narrow neighborhood streets.

Elayne Kovalik, who said she lives across from Elk Run Elementary, told the council that drivers exceed the 30 mph limit and described witnessing a recent accident; she asked the city to "consider a lit speed sign" near the school and called attention to a sidewalk gap near 8900 West where bushes force pedestrians into the roadway. Kayla Pixton described multiple near-misses at the Cyprus High School crosswalk and urged the council to install lights or other measures "before someone is injured." Kami Frazier, representing Little Valley Gateway residents, said parking restriction changes had improved visibility and emergency access for students and first responders.

Chief Del Craig of the Unified Police Department explained parking technicalities in response to resident questions: the white line indicates the roadway edge and vehicles must park between that line and the curb while maintaining required distances from private driveways and controlled intersections. He said the city and Municipal Services District will distribute informational materials about the parking ordinance and noted enforcement has produced more positive feedback than complaints. City Manager David Brickey and council members committed to follow up with staff to evaluate crosswalk lighting and enforcement at Cordero Drive.

The council did not take immediate action on any single project at the meeting but directed staff to report back and to coordinate with Salt Lake County or traffic engineers as needed for safety upgrades.