Grant will fund four safer street crossings in Hatfield

HATFIELD — Four pedestrian crossings on Hatfield streets will be improved with better lighting, flashing beacons and pavement markings.

The town was recently notified that it received a grant for about $56,000 from the state’s Shared Streets and Spaces program. On Tuesday, the Select Board accepted the grant.

Department of Public Works Director Philip Genovese told the board that the application he submitted is for four projects, including new flashing signals at the intersection of North and Main streets that he would have otherwise sought capital funds for.

The other projects will be on Main Street at the Hatfield Center Store, on School Street at Smith Academy, and on Elm Street at the Hatfield Village 55-and-over complex.

If enough money is available, Genovese said the town could also extend a sidewalk from Capawonk Housing, the Hatfield Housing Authority project on School Street, to the entrance to Smith Academy. A sidewalk already exists on the other side of the road.

 — Scott Merzbach