Residents press Hamilton Council on speeding in Hillhurst; township engineers to inspect

Multiple Hillhurst-area residents told the Hamilton Council on Feb. 20 that speeding, illegal parking and cut-through traffic are creating a safety hazard near children's play areas and school drop-off routes.

Resident Colleen Jarkowski described several collisions and near-misses and said neighbors had signed a petition for speed humps. "We're pleading for help," she said during public comment. Bud Livingston, Laurie Malsbury and others reported repeated speeding and cars using the street as a cut-through to East State Street.

Director Dumont responded that township staff and the township engineer would follow up immediately: "Tomorrow morning, we have the residents' phone numbers and contact information. Our township engineer will contact them. We'll have a meeting on-site to walk the neighborhood and see what we could do." He cautioned that speed bumps have trade-offs — including potential impacts on first responders — and said staff would explore measures and involve police for directed enforcement.

Council members thanked residents for coming out and said they would continue follow-up. The meeting did not include any formal vote on traffic-calming measures; staff committed to an on-site assessment and further recommendations.