Noticing a dangerous situation as people walk to and from their cars in the dark for Parkland football games, the school district is seeking street lights for Stadium Drive and School District Road.

The issue arose through an observation from the South Whitehall Public Safety Commission.

At a board meeting on Dec. 5, township commissioners reviewed a petition submitted by school district officials.

The request is for lighting on Stadium Drive from Lime Kiln Road to School District Drive to Orefield Road.

South Whitehall Manager of Community Development Gerald Harbison reported the plan submitted through Barry Isett and Associates, calls for 20 lights.

While the lighting is desirable as a safety measure for pedestrians attending stadium events, it will serve an additional purpose.

Stadium Drive and School District Road are designated emergency vehicle access routes for the stadium.

If there were a need for fire trucks, ambulances, police or other emergency responders, lighted roads would enhance their ability to reach the stadium safely in the dark.

Commissioner Thomas Johns asked who would pay for the lights.

Board member David Bond, who reviewed the matter with the public safety commission, replied.

"Stadium Road is our street, so we pick up costs," Bond said. "The other segment [School District Drive] is private."

Township Manager Jon Hammer reported PPL will pay to erect a cobra-head style lamp, but if new poles are needed, there may be a cost.

Bond recommended the board work with PPL and the school district to acquire the lights as a public safety benefit.

"Let's not hold up on this process," Bond said. "It's money well spent."

The board also took a look at a recommendation from Stuart Shmookler, chairman of the public safety commission, for a new crosswalk at Broadway and N. 42nd Street to access the county recreation fields.

Shmookler said residents from the neighborhoods north of Broadway use the intersection to reach the walking path in the county fields.

He requested a marked crosswalk with appropriate signage to increase the level of safety for pedestrians.

Township Engineer Ralph Russek estimated initial costs to evaluate crossing alternatives and to provide the township with recommendations based on traffic pedestrian crossing counts would range from $2,700-$2,900.

Commissioners agreed to have Russek and The Pidcock Company proceed with the analysis and prepare a report for the board.

In other business, the board examined a request from Treatment Trends Inc. for $1,500 to support the organization's work with people who are struggling with drug addiction, alcoholism, and mental health challenges.

The group, at 24 S. Fifth St., Allentown, operates several recovery houses.

"This is a worthwhile cause, let's approve it," Commissioner Glenn Block said.

The board agreed to authorize the contribution.