SHALER, Pa. \u2014 Shaler Township has proposed adding sidewalks to Mount Royal Boulevard, and the idea has received mixed reactions.<\/p>\n
Some residents say the lack of sidewalks makes the area unsafe, especially for children. One mother told Channel 11 she will not allow her children to walk along Mount Royal Boulevard because of fast-moving traffic.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was terrifying,\u201d Sierra Lightsey said. \u201cWe went to my daughter\u2019s best friend\u2019s house, and people don\u2019t even slow down when they see people walking. They just fly right past you, and it\u2019s very scary.\u201d<\/p>\n
Chris Watts with Walk Bike Shaler says the organization has been pushing for more sidewalks across the township for years.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a longtime resident in Shaler Township, we love the community amenities that we have, like the park, and the shopping center, and the school in the library, but sometimes it\u2019s hard to navigate. Sometimes the only safe choice is a car,\u201d Watts said.<\/p>\n
The township said it previously considered adding sidewalks along Wetzel Road, which runs perpendicular to Mount Royal Boulevard. According to township officials, nine out of 10 homeowners opposed sidewalks there, citing concerns about winter maintenance responsibilities, liability, and littering.<\/p>\n
Similar concerns were raised by residents who spoke to commissioners about the proposed sidewalks along Mount Royal Boulevard.<\/p>\n
Chris Watts says he wants all voices heard as discussions continue.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want any property owner that would be impacted by this process to be at the table,\u201d Watts said. \u201cTo hear what the value would be, but also some alternatives for maintenance or options on where and how different sidewalks and amenities are placed. Those are valid concerns that need to be part of the process.\u201d<\/p>\n
Township Manager Judith Kording said multiple stakeholders would be involved if the proposal moves forward.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are many stakeholders in this proposal, including PennDOT, homeowners, business owners, residents and the community,\u201d Kording said. \u201cWe need to gather preliminary information needed to begin this process.\u201d <\/p>\n
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