Safe Mobility Commission Meeting - August 19, 2026

Note: The meeting agenda and transcript indicate a date of September 16, 2025; however, the instruction provided states the meeting took place on August 19, 2026. This summary uses the instructed date.

The Safe Mobility Commission (SMC) of Dormont, Pennsylvania met on August 19, 2026, with Acting Chair Wyatt Shear presiding. Commissioners Mark and Corey (joining online) were present; Chair Ed and Commissioner Lily were absent. The meeting covered updates on transportation projects, a new crosswalk standardization goal, and safety concerns at specific intersections.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of minutes from the August 2026 meeting: Motion carried unanimously.

Discussion Items

• Old Business: Active Transportation Plan (ATP) & Transit-Oriented Development (TOD): The ATP field work was completed with focus groups, walk audits, and public forums in partnership with Mount Lebanon. A grant application (Safe Streets for All) was accepted. For the TOD at Dormont Junction, the RFQ is complete and the RFP is in review; a developer is expected to be selected by 2026, with construction at the T station starting after the 2026 NFL draft.
• West Liberty Avenue Signal Replacement: A contract for signal replacement at West Liberty and Dormont Avenue was awarded to Brander Technical Services. Other signal arm replacements are delayed due to supply chain issues, with November 2026 the earliest expected installation.
• Petitions: A resident submitted a safety concern regarding the intersection of Bell Plain and Tennessee Avenue; a petition will be sent to them. An existing petition from July is still pending signature collection.
• McFarland/Dell Signal Replacement: Commissioners raised concerns that new signal pole bases are obstructing the sidewalk, potentially creating accessibility issues. The commission directed Borough Manager Melinda to contact PennDOT for plans and to demand pedestrian accommodation.
• Standard High‑Visibility Crosswalks: Mark presented a proposal to adopt best‑practice crosswalk markings (piano‑key pattern) for controlled and uncontrolled intersections. The commission voted unanimously to adopt this as a goal and to recommend it to Council. Mark will prepare a one‑page summary for presentation at the next Council Public Works committee meeting.
• Potomac Avenue Work: Melinda provided an update: Public Works will perform spot asphalt treatment and power‑broom sweeping to stabilize the deteriorating brick surface. Long‑term design options include full asphalt, asphalt with raised brick intersections, or larger pavers (from Pave Drain) that can handle heavy traffic. Stormwater retention is a major component. Design is expected to take about a year, with financing to follow.
• Kelton/Eastmont Crossing Safety: A resident reported that drivers are not yielding to pedestrians and running stop signs. Mark identified low‑cost, no‑study improvements such as enhanced crosswalk markings. Commissioner Corey connected with a school board member who will explore collaboration with the school district. A motion to include this intersection in the crosswalk recommendation package to Council passed unanimously.
• Handbook Modifications: Discussion focused on raw data collection from speed signs and adding citizen notifications to the Access Dormont app. Members were asked to review proposed changes and provide input.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous motions passed:
  1. Approval of August minutes.
  2. Adoption of crosswalk best‑practices as a goal to recommend to Council.
  3. Inclusion of Kelton/Eastmont improvements in the same recommendation.
• Direction to Staff: Melinda to contact PennDOT regarding the McFarland/Dell signal pole obstruction and to investigate raw data availability from speed signs.
• Next Steps: Mark to present crosswalk proposal at Council’s Public Works committee meeting on the upcoming Monday. Corey to follow up with the school board member. Petitions to be sent to the Bell Plain/Tennessee Avenue resident.