About Me

My photo
Nazareth, Pa., United States

Thursday, February 04, 2021

NorCo Courthouse Employees Finally Have a Safe Crosswalk

For several years and throughout several administrations, Northampton County Courthouse employees and visitors had to take their lives into their hands when visiting or leaving the courthouse. Many had to cross a very busy Washington Street. Drivers coming up the hill are often surprised to see pedestrians crossing.  Over the years, several people have been injured at the crosswalk. Many more have had close misses. Finally, a system has been installed to alert drivers to the foot traffic. 

When he was Executive, John Brown actually painted over the crosswalk. This made a dangerous condition even worse. 

Executive Lamont McClure has taken a different approach. The crosswalk has been striped again, and flashing lights on both sides of Washington Street warn drivers that pedestrians are crossing. 

This is a small thing, but it will save lives. Possibly your own. 


13 comments:

Anonymous said...

I was flabbergasted when Brownstain painted over the former crosswalk. That is a dangerous area. Glad to see that finally this is marked the way pedestrians deserve it to be.

Anonymous said...

Another great job by this fantastic administration, thank you for protecting my parents

Anonymous said...

I took my life in hands crossing that section for over 30 years. Wish drivers were more alert too on the hill.

Anonymous said...

Geez, why don't you just change the name of this blog to "The Morning McClure"

I hope McClure is reporting all this free advertising on his campaign reports.

Anonymous said...

If i recall correctly , John Brown followed Sal Panto's orders stating the cross walk at this location was not legal and did not meet FHWA standards. Or was this more political BS from the liberal clowns in Easton ?

Chris Casey said...

At least Bernie isn't writing "The Daily Q Anon!"

Bernie O'Hare said...

11:43, You don't recall correctly. There were no "orders" from Panto. An Easton police LT did express reservations about a crosswalk at that location, but he is not PennDOT. The state approved the crosswalk with the flashing lights installed. This is what Brown should have done instead of painting over a crosswalk that everyone was going to use anyway. One of my readers is a conservative Republican who was incensed at how Brown responded to this issue. He basically made the situation more dangerous. McClure has made it more safe. This change was very much needed and it will save lives.

"I hope McClure is reporting all this free advertising on his campaign reports."

The reason I support him is bc he has been effective. I believe he might very well be the most effective Exec we have had since Hartzell. He gets things done and has been quite transparent. When he's screwed up, he's admitted it. Of course, it helps that Council has largely agreed with his agenda. That is why John Stoffa was unable to get much done until he was in his final two years. My criticism has been that he needs to pay the workers more money.

Kevin F. Danyi said...

The odd, multi-century configuration of the courthouse buildings makes access by the public difficult. The crosswalk is a good idea and benefits people who go to the courthouse on a regular basis. I like the new parking lot, especially the one hour spots for going in to probate or to record deeds, which I do frequently.

Now, if only some drivers would understand that the flashing yellow lights don't mean "increase speed now".

Anonymous said...

A crosswalk is cool and all, but driving the wrong way down a one way ramp in the parking deck for 156 weeks is a lot cooler

Anonymous said...

What a joke. That isn't going to do a damn thing. Mark my words.

Anonymous said...

Actually county councils have proposed this for years.

Bernie O'Hare said...

This is unfortunately false information. While council wastes hours discussing non binding resolutions, they have never, not even once, proposed a crosswalk. Nor should they. Their primary role is the purse strings. They can weigh in on capital projects but have never once proposed an improvement like this. They have listened as it was explained to them.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Hey, I’m not going to publish your personal attacks on me until you ID yourself. You are either a member of council or in the clerk’s office. Identify yourself.