Jeannette Brugger and Andrew Simpson, of the city Office of Complete Streets, visited last week’s Lawncrest Community Association meeting.
Brugger and Simpson outlined proposed changes to Tabor Avenue, from Godfrey Avenue to Levick Street. They explained that 80 percent of car fatalities and serious injuries take place on 12 percent of the streets.
From 2017-21, there were 38 crashes, 20 serious injuries and one fatality on that stretch of Tabor.
A study showed that 73 percent of motorists drive over the 30 mph speed limit on Tabor.
The Office of Complete Streets believes a narrower road will slow down drivers. The proposed new Tabor Avenue will feature a painted buffer lane, flexible delineator posts, two bicycle lanes on the east side of the street, two lanes of travel and two lanes for parking.
Concerns expressed by residents included the potential for wide tractor trailer parking and the elimination of the right turn lane onto Levick Street from busy northbound Tabor.
Suggestions included adding traffic lights and reopening Robbins Avenue to motorists. In the early 2000s, the Navy base, which owns that portion of Robbins, closed the road due to Fels students harassing employees and vandalizing their cars. Fels has since moved a little south of its previous location.
In other news from the May 18 meeting:
• Capt. Marc Metellus and Lt. Joe Mortimer provided crime updates in the 2nd Police District.
• State Rep. Anthony Bellmon told the crowd he was happy that Democrats held onto the 163rd Legislative District seat in a May 16 special election. The seat was open after the Democratic incumbent resigned following allegations of sexual harassment. Bellmon noted that the Democratic victory will allow Joanna McClinton to remain as House speaker.
Bellmon invited people to visit or call his office at 7215-B Rising Sun Ave. (215-560-1315) for any issue, including property tax/rent rebates. He will hold a senior fair on June 16 at St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church, 1009 Unruh Ave.
• The Lawncrest Recreation Advisory Council will present the second annual Lawncrest 5K on Saturday, Oct. 7, at 8:30 a.m. at Lawncrest Recreation Center, 6000 Rising Sun Ave. The cost is $30. Proceeds will benefit rec center programming. To register, go to https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Philadelphia/Lawncrest5K. To volunteer, email Peter McPhillips at [email protected]. For more information, call 215-685-0597.
• The Lawncrest Recreation Advisory Council will hold free outdoor movie nights, sponsored by Mr. D’s Plumbing & Heating, on the fourth Thursday of each month: May 25, June 22, July 27, Aug. 24, Sept. 28 and Oct. 26. Movies begin at dusk on the outdoor stage near the rec center playground. Bring your own chair or blanket. The May 25 movie will be E.T.
• A moment of silence was observed for Lucio Monaco, who died May 16 at age 97.
• Lawncrest Community Association will meet on Thursday, June 15, at 6:30 p.m. at St. William’s Monsignor James E. Mortimer Memorial Hall, Argyle and Robbins streets. The guest speaker will be from the city Office of Emergency Management, discussing the goods that are transported on local train lines. ••
