Parents and neighbors press council to speed safety fixes at Ella & Grovewood crosswalk near Sinclair Elementary

Multiple residents and parents addressed the council about persistent pedestrian safety hazards at the Ella and Grovewood crosswalk used by Sinclair Elementary students. Neighbors described a recent viral video in which an aggressive driver nearly struck children and a crossing guard who intervened; speakers said the location has a record of near‑miss incidents and shared more than 30 firsthand accounts collected by the neighborhood. They asked for expedited installation of physical safety measures—HAWK pedestrian signals, flashing beacons, enhanced crosswalk lighting, improved signage, and speed‑calming treatments—and urged the city to move beyond design to construction.

Councilmember Kamen and others said funding for a design has been set aside previously, that a design was approved by Public Works but then paused, and that some right‑of‑way annexation or approval is pending. Councilmembers committed to coordinating with Public Works and the county commissioner to advance the project and to provide updates to residents. Mayor and staff encouraged residents to continue documented requests through 3‑1‑1 and to work with district offices for follow‑up. Several council members recognized the crossing guards’ role and thanked Houston Police Department and the district attorney’s office for actions in the recent driver case.

Council pledged to follow up with Public Works and to seek prompt steps to reduce the risk to children crossing to Sinclair Elementary. Residents asked for a timeline and visible signs of work once construction funding and approvals are confirmed.