At the June 14, 2023, #NewtownPA BOS meeting, supervisors considered approving a resolution to apply for an Automated Red Light Enforcement (ARLE) grant for the construction of a pedestrian-activated overhead Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) at the Newtown-Yardley Rd/Tara Blvd crosswalk.
During the discussion, Newtown Walk residents, including Charles Feuer and Valerie Mihalek, were disappointed that this grant money, if awarded, would not be available until 2024 while accidents and near accidents continue to occur at this crosswalk.
Supervisor John Mack suggested that some of the $250,000 allocated in the 2023 budget for Sycamore St be used for the Tara Blyd crosswalk. Although the Sycamore project has been on the docket for over a year vs 6 months or so for Tara Blvd, Mr. Mack suggested that instead of the $250,000 being set aside for Silo Drive and Sycamore Street that it be used in the case of of this overhead light for Tara Drive. Mr. Mack . "It doesn't matter to me who came first before the board to ask for this ," said Mr. Mack, argued that it would be more responsive to put money to work where the current need is greatest; i.e., Tara Blvd.
Eventually, the supervisors agreed to see how much of the $250,000 is still available and then make a decision what do with it; e,g., start work on the Tara Blvd RRFB.
In the meantime, the BOS approved the resolution to apply for the ARLE grant.
Newtown Walk residents are obviously “disappointed” by the township’s pedestrian safety priorities, which are based on “first come, first served” mentality rather than urgent need!
Related Content:
“Falls Township Approves Pedestrian Controlled Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons for Safety Project In Levittown at a Cost of $57,177”; https://sco.lt/5uoqie