Official advocates for more safety in school zone

A Lehighton official continues to advocate for additional student safety features in a school zone.

Councilwoman Autumn Abelovsky informed borough council on Monday of her proposed Safe School Zone Four Point Plan.

Abelovsky said her proposal concerns the school zones, and in particular, the Mahoning Street areas.

She said her proposal would include a designated school zone safety awareness week in which they would reach out to parents, students, and the community.

Abelovsky said the quicker council could give the go-ahead to her proposal, the better.

“We could mark our crosswalks differently, maybe just where the crossing guards are and at crosswalks,” Abelovsky said. “I think it’s really important to our youth’s safety in the community.”

Abelovsky noted that it wouldn’t go into effect until the start of the 2020-21 school year.

It was decided the matter will be listed on next month’s meeting agenda for potential action.

Abelovsky discussed the matter with council last month, at which time she said she’s concerned with student safety in a school zone based upon traffic flow.

She said at that time the issue was getting worse, and that her goal is to better educate the community to the school zones and traffic patterns.

Abelovsky said she witnessed numerous accidents at the 11th and Mahoning street intersection, where drivers have disregarded the crossing guard and almost hit the children.

She then requested to meet with Mayor Clark Ritter and police Chief Brian Biechy to discuss solutions and a clear designation of the school zone in that area.