Transportation Committee Meeting on Safe Routes to School Program - April 22, 2026

The Transportation Committee of Toledo City Council met on April 22, 2026, to discuss the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program, including the Harrow Road project and other 2026 improvements. The meeting included a presentation from the transportation department, questions from council members, and public testimony. Key themes included program benefits, community engagement concerns, drainage issues, and connectivity.

Presentation and Discussion

• Presentation: Stephanie Bartlett (Commissioner of Traffic Management) and Christy Soncrant (Commissioner of Engineering and Construction Management) presented the SRTS program, funded by FHWA and administered by ODOT. Toledo Public Schools (TPS) and Washington Local Schools each have travel plans; TPS’s plan covers 40 K-8 schools and was recently updated to include eight high schools. The 2026 program includes five projects: Bakewell (crosswalk for Birmingham Elementary), Glendale (bump outs for Harvard Elementary), Detroit Avenue (new crossing for Beverly Elementary and Bowser High), North Ravine (sidewalk gap for Garfield Elementary and Waite High), and Harrow Road (final sidewalk connection between Rogers and McTigue campuses and Bancroft Street). The program uses parent/student surveys to identify needs such as safe crossings, sidewalk gaps, and traffic concerns. TPS has completed 133 recommendations in the last 10 years.
• Council Questions:
  • Councilmember Gaddis asked about the total number of recommendations (commissioners stated they continuously add new projects), use of NERSA funding to amplify efforts (unknown), and whether the city assesses and coordinates sidewalk replacement along entire routes (no, but suggested as a future consideration).
  • Councilmember Sarantu praised improvements at Toledo Technology Academy and Alexis Road near Whitmer, and noted that all TPS and Washington Local schools are covered.
  • Councilmember Martinez raised concerns about community engagement, stating that residents were not adequately informed about projects, particularly the Harrow Road project. He asked about engagement methods and was told engagement focuses on schools, not residents. He requested details on the Harrow construction plan and drainage.
• Project Updates: Christy Soncrant provided updates on Harrow Road: contractor Crestline Paving and Excavating will start construction in mid-June, with completion by August 30. Two additional catch basins were added (total 25) to address drainage concerns. Martinez asked about options for homeowners to tap into storm drains at their cost; Soncrant will look into it.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rosanna Helsley (Lake Erie West Regional Council) expressed support for the SRTS program and offered data/analysis assistance from the MPO.
• Amira Neur (Lake Erie West) noted that based on 2019 TPS data, 24% of students walk/bike in the morning and 28% in the afternoon. She emphasized that sidewalks are preventative improvements and support physical and mental health.
• Brian (resident, Harrow area) presented photos of flooding on sidewalks and streets along Dor Street, Fryer, and Harrow. He criticized drainage issues noting that a crosswalk at Harrow has water pooling. He also questioned the overlay pavement method, fearing driveways would be below street level. He noted that the Fryer sidewalk, installed last year, has already been lifted twice and still floods.
• Kelly (resident, Harrow Road) opposed the Harrow sidewalk, citing the neighborhood's rural character and flooding concerns. She said communication was nonexistent; residents learned only when tree cutters arrived. She requested copies of the 1975 special tax assessment, updated plans, and survey results promised in December but not received. She argued that only two kids walk and two ride bikes on Harrow, questioning the need for the sidewalk.
• Ken (resident, Harrow Road) reiterated the lack of communication and requested the pedestrian count data, which he has not received. He noted only four kids walking in morning and four in evening. He asked the city to address tapping into storm drains on the east side of Harrow, as all new catch basins are on the west side.
• Megan Robson (Chief of Operations, City of Toledo) read a letter from Colleen Aiken of Washington Local Schools expressing strong support for the SRTS program, highlighting the Hearst Road sidewalk, bike fix-it days, helmet distributions, and volunteer assistance at walk/bike events.
• Additional comment: A resident noted that the sidewalk was originally planned for the east side but was switched to the west side due to sewer location, suggesting poor planning.

Key Outcomes

• The committee received the presentation and public testimony. No formal votes were taken.
• Commissioner Soncrant confirmed two additional catch basins on the north end of Harrow (total now 25) and stated they will look into homeowners’ ability to tap into storm drains at their cost.
• The contractor for the 2026 SRTS projects is Crestline Paving and Excavating; a pre-construction meeting will be held, and construction schedules will be shared with residents via the city website and email notifications.
• Councilmember Martinez and other members emphasized the need for improved community engagement and communication for future projects.
• Documents requested by Harrow residents (1975 special tax assessment, updated plans, survey results) were not provided at the meeting; the chair offered to follow up.