Street plan still a worry

Milford - New sidewalks are good, but some business people are worrying that pedestrians may be using them to look at empty storefronts. They are concerned about parking and access under the terms of the Milford Enhancement Committee’s plans for revitalizing traffic patterns and pedestrian access at the east end of East Harford Street. Cabinet Shop owner Mike McCarthy returned for a second monthly borough council meeting Monday to find out how the tractor trailers that service his business will access his Second Street shop. With the Old Broad Street access going for parking, he wants to know how big trucks will get in and out. Councilman Bo Fean read a response from the project’s designers, which found the new turn from U.S. Route 209 would not hinder 55-foot trailers. “I’m talking about 65-foot trailers. The length is written right on them,” McCarthy responded. Steve Sidle, owner of the shop at 301 East Harford Street told the council he would lose three of the five parking spaces the shop has used since the 1920’s, “and the two remaining will require a traffic police officer to guide people out of the curb cut,” he said. Borough Solicitor John Klemeyer said PennDOT makes the specifications for curb cuts and added that the parking situation at Sidle’s property has always been dangerous. “You’re not allowed to continue a dangerous situation just because it’s been there for a long time,” he said. “Changes aren’t easy. We know that, but we want to make the town more accessible to pedestrians,” said Council President Matt Osterberg The council wrote letter to the project designers asking about 65-foot trailers, while other street access for the big trucks is considered. On Wednesday, the Delaware River Toll Bridge Commission announced a new $24,900 grant for Milford to study ways to reduce congestion and the number of traffic accidents in the borough.