Residents seek more pedestrian safeguards after recent tragedy

The demand for safety in Milford Borough comes on the heels of a tragic accident that claimed the life of local dog Maya. In a letter to the editor published in last week’s Courier, Maya’s owner detailed the tragic event that occurred at a Broad Street crosswalk when a motorist drove through while they were crossing and hit and killed the dog before fleeing the scene.

At the recent borough council meeting, residents described several close calls and near misses, prompting a question about the future of Milford. Will it remain a pedestrian-friendly village, or will the growing population in and around the area call for it to become more vehicle orientated?

The public submitted several suggestions to help slow traffic and increase safety, including adding cameras at crosswalks, reflective paint, brighter street lights, an increased police presence, and increasing citations. It should be noted that there has been an increase in citations given: 13 citations were given out in August 2022, compared to 50 in August 2024. Flags were another suggestion, given the lack of visibility around corners, especially the alleyways, such as Pear Alley. Another fact of note: violators are not given verbal warnings; the first infraction is enough to earn a citation.

A new stop light at the intersection of Sixth Street and Harford Street was also suggested, although since Harford Street is considered a highway, any new lights would have to be supported by PENNDOT. Speedbumps were also suggested, particularly on Catharine Street, but with the water system about to be torn up, speeding on that road will likely be put off until after the road is repaved. A public meeting of the road safety taskforce was slated to be held Thursday, September 19, at 2 p.m. in the county commissioner’s room.

Spongy moths

An update concerning the spongy moth epidemic that ravished the county this spring was brought up. There are two options the borough is currently weighing: an aerial spray that would require residences and pets to stay indoors for a short period of time, or an “on the ground” method, where only public spaces would be sprayed. While “on the ground” would be the cheaper option, citizens would be responsible for their own properties. No decision has been made yet, though the Shade Tree Commission believes that it will be worse next year and recommends a plan in place by November 1.

Other business

During the regular borough council meeting, the revised and amended SALDO ordinance, currently being worked on by Hailstone Economic, was discussed, though no motions were passed. The amended draft seeks to clarify language as well as reduce pages for the application process. Finalization of the ordinance should be completed in the coming weeks.

The local youth baseball organization is hoping to renovate the Catharine Street baseball park, as the field has a serious water runoff issue that has eroded much of the field. The organizers are seeking to level, fill, and reseed the baseball field, and have already raised half of the money to do so, but are waiting on the borough to share in the expense as well as approve the proposal.

The Milford Gardeners Club is seeking help to put in a water system at Remembrance Park to help with irrigation. While club members requested the council pay for the upfront costs, the Gardeners Club has offered to pay the fees to turn the water on in the spring and off in the fall. The Gardeners Club currently pays for all the plants and maintenance that can be found around town out of their own pocket.

An increase in mosquito and tick presence within the borough prompted a request for the public to take caution. More information can be found on the borough website and ticks can be sent in, free of charge, to be tested for diseases.

Halloween will be on a Thursday this year and will go ahead as usual. Councilmembers discussed parking in relation to the safety of trick-or-treaters, but no consensus was reached. There was an offer to prohibit parking on Ann Street, like last year, but residents around the park took issue with that. The matter will be discussed further at the next meeting.

The Milford Theatre has requested a road closure from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, September 20 for Septemberfest, which was approved. The Veterans Day parade and ceremony, which will be held on November 9 and November 11, respectively, was approved as well.

Lights at Ann Street Park are being refitted and should be back on by the end of the month.

The town’s leaf vacuum has been repaired and the council cautions people from raking out their leaves into the streets until a date has been issued for leaf clean up.