Speed limit adjustments and the Safe Streets For All program were among the items reported on to the council work session from the Public Works committee meeting. P-J photo by Sara Holthouse

Lower speed limits could be coming to a street near you as city officials continue discussing ways to implement the Safe Streets for All program.

Councilman Daniel Gonzalez, D-At Large and chair of the City Council’s Public Works Committee, said during a recent council work session an update was received from Mark Roetzer, interim public works director, on some of the speed limit adjustments in the city and the cost to do that.

“We were very happy to hear some of the numbers that were coming out of that,” Gonzalez said. “It is estimated to be between $14,000 and $16,000 to change speed limit signs city-wide and get that implemented if we go that route to lower the speed. Again, trying to make the streets safer for everyone that resides here.”

As for the Safe Streets For All program, Gonzalez said they are looking for public input, specifically for some of the intersections in the city where residents may feel the city needs to take a look at. Examples could be if there is an intersection that needs a stop sign or some other form of intervention, Gonzalez said they would be looking for members of the public to tell them about that.

“We really need public input on that,” Gonzalez said. “I don’t drive every single street in the city of Jamestown. I don’t walk every single street in the city of Jamestown. I have my normal commute, my normal thoroughfares so I don’t see everything, and that’s human nature, right?”

Councilman Brent Sheldon, R-Ward 1, said a constituent reached out to him about Falconer Street where the most recent fatal pedestrian accident was, and Gonzalez said that street is on the list of the ones they are taking a look at. Other streets and intersections include Sturges Street, South Avenue, White Hill, Brooklyn Square and a few others.

“So, we’re trying to again make it safe for folks that are walking the sidewalks and individuals that are driving on our streets,” Gonzalez said.

To get some of this public input, Gonzalez said the hope would be to get some people to show up to the Public Works committee meetings and talk about what they would like to see, or they can also find his phone number on the city website and text him. Public Works committee meetings take place on work session meeting Mondays at 7 p.m. in the Department of Development conference room, and Gonzalez’s number is 716-640-7042.

City Development Director, Crystal Surdyk, added that there will be some other opportunities for public engagement with the Safe Streets For All program, including meetings that will be announced soon.

During a recent Planning Commission meeting, Jason Kulaszewski, city planning director, said a stakeholder group that includes the Department of Development, the Department of Public Works, the Jamestown Police Department, the Fire Department, YMCA, YWCA, UPMC, and some people from Jamestown Community College and Jamestown High School has been formed. Kulaszewski said the plan is to also talk with the police department and get the perspectives of the city crossing guards.

Issues and parking changes around Love Elementary School have also been a topic of discussion by the Planning Commission and City Council.