There was a full agenda for the Sept. 23 Blairstown township committee meeting, and the floor was open for public comment on a number of issues of import to the local community.
Crossing Guard Elimination Causes Concerns
Concerns over the lack of a crossing guard at the intersection of East Avenue and Bridge Street were raised after the township suddenly eliminated the position. Budget cuts and township debt were the driving factors being cited during the committee meeting as to why a crossing guard was removed from the busy intersection.
“It does not feel safe,” said resident Allison Rosnick, during open public comment. “They (the children) should be able to walk safely to school. It is not safe to cross there without a crossing guard.”
The two main concerns raised about the well-used intersection were distracted drivers and potential speeding. With no one manning the intersection to safely guide pedestrians and signaling drivers to stop, the community agreed that it could cause a tragic accident. Many citizens felt that the number of children walking to school was underestimated when evaluating the safety of that intersection and how many people are impacted by the staffing decision.
“What, in the meantime, can be done?” asked Rosnick.
Mayor Rob Mooreland agreed with the resident concerns but cited the budget cuts and a no vote on the referendum as the factors in the decision to eliminate the crossing guard position.
“We have no money to spend,” he stated. “We have debt trailing out in the hundreds of thousands.”
Despite a general agreement on the dangers of the intersection, the township budget currently does not allow for the position to be returned, but other avenues to increase safety were discussed: The Mayor suggested reaching out to the county to request reducing the speed limit as well as adding a speed bump on Bridge Street—which is a county road—to increase the safety measures and slow down drivers.
With Costs Unclear, Halloween Parade Uncertain
More financial issues were raised in regards to the Halloween Parade, hosted by the Blairstown Rotary Club, as the costs associated with the event are still unclear and financial support from the township is expected to be minimal if at all.
“I need to be prepared for the expense to do this,” stated Club President, Lauri Gill. “What can we anticipate in police support and cost?”
No firm numbers or information were available as police overtime estimates had not yet been determined. A minimum of four hours of police overtime is required for events, but the final costs and how many officers will be required are still to be determined.
“I don’t see us saying no, but if the cost is too high, I might have to not do it,” Gill said.
Many members of the public and committee expressed their support for the event. During public comment, Bryan Hartig from the Blairstown Enhancement Committee pledged a $500 donation, in an effort to bolster support for the parade.
As of the meeting date, the Halloween Parade is still expected to be held, with costs still to be determined.
The next Blairstown township committee meeting is scheduled for Oct. 28, 2026.
