BETHLEHEM, Pa. — As the city works to replace its previous traffic coordinator, residents of the Indian Hill neighborhood are fed up with speeding drivers.
The Indian Hill area is right along the border of Fountain Hill Borough and the western end of South Bethlehem.
Lisa Sparrow voiced her concerns to Bethlehem City Council on Tuesday, saying that while traffic studies may have been taking place in other locations nearby, it’s about time the city did something near Seneca Street.
And she had a signed petition in hand to boot, with locals calling for a stoplight, crosswalks, speed bumps or a flashing light at the Intersection of Cherokee and Third streets, and at Seneca and West Third and Fourth streets.
“We are witnessing a revitalization of the South Side of Bethlehem with many new businesses and housing opportunities, and there is a growing concern about the influx of people traveling."Lisa Sparrow, South Bethlehem resident
“We are witnessing a revitalization of the South Side of Bethlehem with many new businesses and housing opportunities, and there is a growing concern about the influx of people traveling,” Sparrow said.
She cited a few institutions that may bring some of that traffic into town, including Lehigh University, Northampton Community College Fowler Center, Wind Creek Casino and St. Luke’s Hospital.
“We need the help of City Council to ensure the safety of our communities,” Sparrow said.
One of her Cherokee Street neighbors, Angela Mitchell, has been gathering signatures from her end of the neighborhood, Sparrow said.
Open to adjustments
While the city fills out its traffic staff, Public Works Director Michael Alkhal said he’d have to touch base with his team to see about any upcoming speed surveys.
“It’s difficult to understand how people speed on that street because there are stops every so often,” Alkhal said.
“But we are definitely open to looking at it, and anything that can be implemented by way of traffic calming or traffic safety or pedestrian improvements, we would certainly pursue [that].”
"We are definitely open to looking at it, and anything that can be implemented by way of traffic calming or traffic safety or pedestrian improvements, we would certainly pursue [that].”Bethlehem Public Works Director Michael Alkhal
Councilman Bryan Callahan said a “slow” sign near the intersection of Delaware Avenue and Seneca Street may make for a “quick fix,” especially considering the traffic coming out of nearby St. Luke’s Hospital.
“I think it’s more of a speed issue with them flying around that corner, and it’s not a good situation,” Callahan said.
Sometimes the city may take more “hardcore” measures beyond signage, such as installing speed bumps, Alkhal said.
Councilwoman Rachel Leon voiced her support for the Indian Hill residents who showed up to share their thoughts.
