Survey stops traffic

By STEVE MARRONI, Evening Sun Reporter

Pam Olshanski described New Oxford as Bedford Falls - the quaint hometown of the character George Bailey in "It's a Wonderful Life." The grassy circle in the middle of the intersection at the town square is exploding with green leaves and the red, white and blue of fluttering flags. A square of small-town shops wraps around it. All that betrays Olshanski's vision of the town is a snarl of traffic at the square, which is the intersection of Route 30 and the street named Hanover or Carlisle, depending on which way you are going.

It's not unusual for traffic to be backed up a half mile at the square in the afternoon. But, things were a little slower than usual for an hour Friday as Olshanski and other members of New Oxford's new Community Revitalization Committee stood at three of the entry points to the traffic circle, and conducted surveys with passing motorists. While it may have temporarily slowed down traffic - which was backed up nearly a mile at one point on Hanover Street - they hope it is for the benefit of pedestrians and the future of the community.

New Oxford Borough Council formed the committee in January. Council member Stan Wannop said the point of the committee is to seek ways to improve the town, and bring attention to its amenities.

Wannop said there are no concrete improvement plans yet. Some ideas include old-fashion lamp posts, repairing sidewalks, and running overhead wires in the square underground. But, they want community input first.

The committee members also handed out fliers, advertising a public meeting where they want to get as many ideas from the public as possible. A meeting is set for June 24 at 7 p.m. The location has yet to be announced.

From antique shops to historic buildings, committee members are proud of their town, and want it to be known as more than that traffic jam between work and home.

But, just as importantly, the intersection is a safety issue. "We want to get New Oxford back to a walking community," said Wannop. There are yield-to-pedestrian signs at the crosswalks, but that does not always help. "You can be out there and watch traffic, and see someone pushing a baby carriage, and having to run across the street," she said. "We want to create some awareness of pedestrian safety."