Safe Mobility Commission Meeting – August 19, 2026

Note: The agenda and transcript indicate this meeting originally occurred on November 18, 2025, but the meeting date is provided as August 19, 2026. The summary reflects the content as recorded, using the assigned date.

The Safe Mobility Commission (SMC) held a regular meeting at 6:00 PM. Commissioners present: Wyatt, Lily, Corey, and Ed (via roll call). Mark was absent. The meeting included approval of prior minutes, discussion of a recent pedestrian-involved crash, updates on intersection safety projects, and a canceled playground community engagement event.

Consent Calendar

• October 2025 Minutes: Approved unanimously with no changes. Ed will remove draft markings and upload the final version.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were received or offered at the meeting.

Discussion Items

• Old Business – November Council Meeting Report: John reported on the November 18, 2025 council meeting. He noted that the parents of a three‑year‑old child who was struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Hillsdale and West Liberty presented their experience. The child was in a crosswalk with a walk signal when a turning driver hit him; the child was not seriously injured. The council requested SMC review the intersection for safety improvements. Commissioners discussed enforcement issues, the visibility of crosswalks, and the role of turning drivers focusing on oncoming traffic rather than pedestrians. Lily noted that at Hillsdale, the walk signal may be slow to appear, and that the only all‑walk phases on West Liberty are at Potomac and Illinois, and Pioneer. John recommended contacting PennDOT for an update on the West Liberty Road Diet redesign and also suggested contacting traffic engineer Kyle Brown about malfunctioning walk signals. Lily provided examples from Indiana, PA, where recent pedestrian fatalities led to recommendations including all‑red pedestrian phases and elimination of left turns. The commission agreed that infrastructure improvements (e.g., high‑visibility crosswalks, all‑walk phases) are needed, but also acknowledged PennDOT’s focus on traffic flow.

• Agenda Item – Leathers Playground Company (New Playground): Ed apologized for the cancellation of the evening’s community engagement session. The company had not reviewed previous public engagement reports from Gateway Engineers, leading to repeated questions about design preferences (e.g., castle theme) that were already decided. The session will be rescheduled in a few weeks after the consultant reviews the materials.

• Kelton Intersection / Crosswalk Project: Ed updated the commission on the project status. A new borough engineer, Mark Reidenbach, replaced Jared Neal. The design (piano‑key crosswalks, high‑visibility signage, mid‑lane yield signs) has council approval. Next steps: finalize placement of three mid‑block crosswalks, ADA improvements, and cost estimates. Commissioner Wyatt asked about narrowing the intersection to reduce speeding; Ed noted that would be a larger road project (likely $100,000+). The commission agreed to proceed with the current design and use it as a template for future crosswalks.

• Joint Meeting with Active Transportation Plan (ATP) Consultants: John reported he will meet with the ATP consultants the following Monday (November 24, 2025) to discuss findings and potential joint involvement with the West Liberty Road Diet study. The consultants (Tool) may act as a shepherd for the borough with PennDOT. The commission awaits PennDOT re‑engagement before scheduling a joint SMC‑council meeting. Lily asked about sharing ATP results; John will obtain a timeline.

• Petitions and Other Items: No new petitions were received. The commission discussed a previously considered stop‑sign request on Latonia Avenue in Pyrmont; the matter had stalled, and Ed suggested installing signs on both sides of Latonia indicating that traffic from the left/right does not stop. This will be reviewed further.

• Dell Sidewalk Extension: Wyatt reported that the sidewalk extension at Dell and McFarland is complete, allowing pedestrian access to Mount Lebanon without stepping into the street. ADA ramps were installed, though a few corners have diagonal ramps due to space constraints. Crosswalk painting and posts are not yet installed.

• Post Office Rapid Flashing Beacon: Wyatt noted that the base for a new rapid flashing beacon in front of the post office is blocking the sidewalk, creating an ADA hazard. The borough plans to install a concrete bump‑out to make the area accessible. The commission acknowledged this improvement.

Key Outcomes

• Child Safety at Hillsdale & West Liberty: The commission will follow up with PennDOT and traffic engineer Kyle Brown regarding walk signal timing, all‑walk phases, and potential infrastructure improvements. No formal vote taken.
• Playground Community Engagement: The session is canceled and will be rescheduled after the consultant reviews prior materials. No formal vote taken.
• Kelton Crosswalk Project: The commission endorsed moving forward with the design and cost estimation. No formal vote taken.
• Joint Meeting with ATP Consultants: John will coordinate a date after the November 24, 2025 meeting with the consultants. No formal vote taken.
• Latonia Stop‑Sign Issue: The item will be revisited in the next month; no formal vote taken.
• Meeting Adjourned at approximately 6:45 PM. The next meeting is scheduled for December 16, 2025.