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Chester County Press

Pedestrians recovering from S. Third Street accident in Oxford

04/18/2023 10:43AM ● By Steven Hoffman

Oxford Borough Council had a lengthy discussion about a recent pedestrian accident involving a mother and child on S. Third Street. They were crossing the street to the bank side when they were struck by a vehicle.

Police Chief Sam Iacono said, “Thankfully the mother and child just received minor injuries. They are recovering, but it could have been much worse. The driver was traveling within the speed limit, but due to traffic being backed up, the driver had difficulty seeing the pedestrians coming out into traffic. All were shaken.”

However, the accident did bring up some concerns about pedestrian safety during high-traffic times on S. Third Street.

Iacono explained that pedestrian and vehicle conflicts are a concern that must be handled. Options could include flashing lights, although that would be costly. Another option could be to configure the crosswalk differently.

Oxford Borough Council unanimously approved a five-year contract extension for Iacono. He has been focused on training, grant funding, and creating a more efficient police department with an eye on community policing.  

Borough Manager Pauline Garcia-Allen updated council on the progress of the subdivision and land development and zoning ordinances revisions. The next meeting with Bergman Associates, the firm tasked with the project, will be held on Tuesday, April 25 at 4 p.m. at the Borough Hall. Council President Kathryn Cloyd gave an update from the Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs (ACOLA) Working Group. The group met with the Kennett ACOLA group. The group educates the council, the community, fire department, police and workplaces on issues of concern to the Latino community. They are a problem solving group helping the Latino population.  

In other business, borough council approved a resolution reaffirming the position of the Oxford Borough Council that the Chester Water Authority should not be sold to a private entity.

Council also approved a request from the Oxford Library to install a bilingual book walk installation at Oxford Memorial Park. Carey Bresler, the library director, explained that she worked with Public Works to find an appropriate location for the installation. In the event of vandalism, the vendor and the library will handle that, including providing a certificate of insurance to the Borough. A site plan will be developed illustrating the location as well.

Council also approved the following new business items:

  • A special event application from Oxford Mainstreet Inc for First Fridays for May, June, July, October, November and December in 2023;
  • A letter of engagement from Siana Law to provide legal representation to the Oxford Borough UCC Board of Appeals;
  • A resolution appointing the Oxford Borough UCC Board of Appeals and its solicitor;
  • A Spotts, Stevens and McCoy proposal to complete a concept plan design and related project documentation for the Niblock Alley improvements in the amount of $23,300. Garcia-Allen said that this project will be funded by property owners;
  • A Spotts, Stevens and McCoy proposal to complete concept plan design related to repairs and improvements to the Broad Street Bridge and an adjacent retaining wall;
  • A letter of support for the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay for its Riparian, Upland, and Urban Forest Expansion proposal to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) for a Community Conservation Partnership Program (C2P2) grant award.