Portion of Jefferson Street at middle school could become one-way

        East Greenville Borough Council is working on a new law to address safety concerns along Jefferson Street in front of the Upper Perkiomen Middle School.

        Mayor Ryan Sloyer stated that he talked to the school’s principal, Duane Wickard, and asked him to weigh in on previous discussion regarding the options to make Jefferson Street safer for the students.

        Problems at the site include students being dropped off on the opposite side of the street from the school and crossing the busy thoroughfare and congested parking. 

        The area is not currently designated as a school zone.

        Although unable to attend Tuesday night’s meeting, Sloyer said Wickard thanked the council for asking for his feedback and liked the options, which include making Jefferson Street one-way or at least designating no parking on one side of the street.

        Borough Council President Josiah Pierson suggested considering the area in front of the middle school a school zone. Sloyer suggested that Jefferson Street become one way from Sixth Street to Fifth Street and that there be a no left turn sign at Fifth Street to alleviate traffic turning onto Main Street from Fifth Street.

        Traffic would need to continue to Fourth Street so that they could turn onto Main Street at the traffic signal.

        Pierson asked if a traffic study was needed to change the flow of traffic.  Borough Manager/Code Enforcement Officer Jim Fry said he will check into the traffic study concern.

        Council member Tracey Hunsinger asked if the no left rule could only be used during school hours so as not to disrupt area residents.

        Council member Tim Huff stated that the next step is to find out if a traffic study is needed and to start drafting an updated ordinance.

        John Sheeran, Upper Perkiomen School District facilities director, who was present at the meeting, stated that he “felt that borough council was on the right track to alleviate the safety concerns.”

        Council member Leon Steinert reported that the sealant treatment which was used to repair Railroad Street and the borough garage parking lot will not be used on Long Alley because too many repairs are needed on the alley. Because of the recent warm weather, the sealant is still soft and it was suggested that further road work requiring the sealant be done in early fall when temperatures are cooler.

        Steinert asked if Long Alley could be done in sections but Sloyer countered that it would be better if the work was done all at once and suggested that council budget appropriately for the repairs.

        Council agreed and the road crew, in order to save money, will start cutting and milling Long Alley to prepare the road to be repaired.

         Fry reported that the trapping of stray cats by borough residents is on the rise. He stated that “the current ordinance reads that the borough picks up the cats from the resident and transport them to the SPCA.” 

        Council discussed changing the ordinance, but in the meantime, Fry will write up a policy for approval which will address the safety concerns for those handling the animals.  Discussion on the subject will continue in July, officials said.

        Hunsinger reported that parking is still a problem at the water plant at State and Water streets in Upper Hanover.  Talks will continue on that issue as well, council said.

        The Colonial Village Clubhouse rules, regulations and parking ordinance has been drafted. Council discussed concerns about residents using the emergency access road between Hamilton, Colonial and Valley roads.

        A motion was approved to send letters to the residents in that area stating the access road will be gated and locked. Emergency personnel will have access to the lock.

        Council approved a road closure for Main Street for Community Day which will be held on September 7 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.