As urban areas grow and evolve, ensuring the safety and accessibility of our streets becomes increasingly important. At tonight’s City Council meeting on January 21, 2025, we will discuss a proposal to commission a private consultant to conduct an Urban Street Safety Study. This initiative reflects our commitment to creating a safe, accessible, and sustainable transportation environment for all residents.
Why Conduct an Urban Street Safety Study?
College Park’s streets serve as lifelines for residents, connecting neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and recreational areas. However, as our city continues to develop, challenges related to street safety, parking, and accessibility have emerged. The proposed study aims to address these challenges by evaluating current conditions and identifying actionable solutions that align with modern urban design principles.
Key goals of the study include:
• Enhancing safety for all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, scooter riders, and drivers.
• Improving accessibility for emergency vehicles.
• Evaluating parking policies for large vehicles and overall traffic flow.
• Considering innovative measures like roundabouts, traffic calming tools, and potential changes to one-way streets.
What Will the Study Involve?
The study will be conducted in two parts:
1. Surveying Existing Conditions: The consultant will assess the current state of College Park’s streets, including traffic patterns, parking usage, and pedestrian pathways.
2. Providing Recommendations: Based on the survey, the consultant will propose changes to improve safety and accessibility. Recommendations may include policy adjustments, infrastructure updates, and other innovative solutions.
The study will also explore the possibility of leveraging federal grants, such as the Safe Streets for All (SS4A) program, to fund these initiatives. This approach ensures that we maximize resources while addressing the unique needs of our community.
How Will This Benefit Our Community?
The Urban Street Safety Study is an investment in our collective well-being. By creating safer streets, we can:
• Reduce accidents and injuries.
• Promote alternative modes of transportation, such as biking and walking, contributing to a healthier environment.
• Ensure equitable access for residents of all ages and abilities.
• Enhance the overall quality of life in College Park.
Next Steps
City staff have begun initial discussions with potential consultants and will seek the Council’s input to finalize the study’s scope of work. This is a crucial step in ensuring the study addresses our community’s specific needs and priorities.
Stay tuned for updates on this important initiative, and thank you for your ongoing support in making College Park a great place to live, work, and play.
Mary Ann Hartnett
I hope they take a good hard look at Cherokee Street between Route 1 and 48th Ave. It is extremely narrow with parking on both sides of the street by the townhouses and existing Farris Manor. Who knows what it will be like when the new apartment building is occupied. Also, how will all the traffic generated by the occupants in the new apartment building access Greenbelt Rd? Through the neighborhood I would think.