Pedestrian tells borough of safety concerns

Milford Borough officials were frustrated Monday by continuing pedestrian safety problems, following a letter from Paula Conklin, who said she fell and was nearly struck by a vehicle on Jan. 14, while in the West Harford Street crosswalk in front of the Milford Post Office. Conklin wrote that the driver said she had not seen Conklin, “even though I was wearing a red coat.” Conklin urged that the pedestrian cones be replaced after the winter and that crosswalks be made wider. “Enough is enough, we need to start ticketing,” Councilman Ed Raarup said. But Borough Police Chief Gary Williams said police already do ticket motorists for pedestrian safety violations. “We always have,” he added. Williams said the problem is not just Milford’s. “You see it everywhere you go, except Gettysburg.” The borough keeps the crosswalks freshly painted, has added additional cones and pamphleted drivers about traffic safety. “It’s a ‘respect for pedestrians’ issue by drivers,” said Councilman James Price. Councilman Vince Accordino agreed. “In general, it’s people’s driving - they’ve got a phone in one ear and they’re not paying attention. Pedestrian safety concerns have grown since last March when Joanne Grecco was struck and killed by a pickup truck while legally crossing Broad Street.”