PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Chestnut Hill residents and business owners made their frustrations about pedestrian safety known to city officials Wednesday night. Dozens gathered at Jenks Academy for Arts and Sciences to share their concerns about the crosswalks on Germantown Avenue that are in bad shape and, in many cases, barely visible.
“I almost got hit right here by Jenks crossing Southampton,” one resident said at the meeting.
“How could you let it get this bad?” asked another. “I am just appalled and furious. Somebody’s gonna die.”
The paint on many of the crosswalks has faded and must be restriped, and more traffic-calming measures like “yield to pedestrian” signs are badly needed, residents said at the meeting.
“For years, our community has been advocating for crosswalk improvements, better visibility and traffic-calming measures. Tonight’s meeting is an important step from moving from advocacy to action,” said Jenks Principal Corinne Scioli. “Germantown Avenue is not just a road. It’s the heart of our community and safety is non-negotiable.”
Philadelphia City Councilmember Cindy Bass, who was also in attendance, mentioned the possibility of adding speed cameras like the ones installed on Roosevelt Boulevard and Broad Street. Speed and careless drivers also fuel the problem, she said.
“If you’re parking across the street from my bakery and trying to get across the street, you’re going to do so taking your life into your hands,” added Amy Edelman, owner of The Night Kitchen Bakery and Cafe on Germantown Avenue.
Bass promised that the crosswalks would be repainted in the near future, according to Anne McNiff, executive director of the Chestnut Hill Community Association.
“We absolutely will be following up to make sure those repairs are done as well,” McNiff told NBC10. “Painting just isn’t enough.”