Norristown Council Approves Controversial Traffic Calming Policy

NORRISTOWN, PA — A controversial policy was passed in Norristown during the municipal council meeting Tuesday night that gives local property owners, not residents, the right to request a traffic-calming review. Critics say the move disenfranchises renters and less wealthy residents.

The measure passed 4-2.

The decision Tuesday night changes the municipal policy back to its original language. The original policy stated that a traffic calming review can be triggered only by signatures from 50 percent of property owners on a block. A May 5 amendment changed that language to residents, and the latest amendment Tuesday changes it back to property owners.

"I think we all know that landlord neglect of properties is rampant in Norristown," Councilman David McMahon said in a statement. "And yet folks like that are given priority."

Supporters of the change to property owners argued that it's simpler to verify property owner signatures because of county records, so the municipality can clearly determine who is eligible and avoid disputes about who qualifies as a resident.

"From a staff perspective, it's easier, much easier to track owners," municipal solicitor Sean Kilkenny said. "For residents, we would probably need some further guidance on what is a resident, because it's not really set forth other than than that they may have a valid lease for a property within Norristown."

McMahon also argued that many communities have an overwhelming tenant majority, and the actual owner may not live locally or be impacted by the issues that residents need to raise.

The issue comes as speeding continues to spark complaints around the municipality, particularly during rush hour when shortcutting traffic speeds through residential areas to avoid congested arteries.

In addition to McMahon, Councilwoman Jasmine Griffin also voted no. Rashaad Bates, William McCoy, Natalie Coulson, and Mydera Robinson voted yes.