Philadelphia's Speed Cushion Scandal: Are Taxpayers on the Hook for Faulty Installations?
The Shocking Truth:
A recent investigation by the Philadelphia City Controller's office has uncovered a potential scandal that could impact both residents' wallets and vehicle safety. Speed cushions, designed to calm traffic near schools, have been installed improperly, with most failing to meet engineering standards.
The Investigation Unveiled:
The Action News Investigative Team obtained exclusive insights from the controller's report, revealing that out of 140 speed cushions inspected at 44 schools, a staggering 95% were too steep, exceeding the 10% grade standard. But here's where it gets controversial—these faulty installations might be more widespread than initially thought.
Impact on Residents:
Homeowners like Bruce Williams have felt the consequences. His Toyota Prius suffered damage from a speed cushion in front of Henry Lawton Elementary, which was found to be nearly twice the recommended height. Williams' experience raises the question: are these cushions causing more harm than good?
Engineering Standards Ignored:
"Engineering standards exist for public safety," emphasizes Christy Brady, the City Controller. Yet, inspectors found only 2 out of 140 cushions met the required height and length measurements. And this is the part most people miss—the report also highlights that 27 cushions had grades two to three times higher than the standard, potentially causing significant damage to vehicles.
Widespread Non-Compliance:
The issue isn't isolated to school zones. Action News measured speed cushions on Presidential Boulevard, finding them to be excessively high. With 135 schools having cushions installed at a substantial cost per school, the financial implications for taxpayers are concerning.
Who's Responsible?
The Philadelphia Streets Department, responsible for the project, has yet to comment pending a full report review. Meanwhile, Brady suggests seeking restitution if the city doesn't take action. But will taxpayers be left footing the bill for these sub-standard installations?
The Bottom Line:
As the investigation unfolds, the question remains: how many speed cushions are non-compliant, and what will it take to fix them? The city's response and the potential impact on residents' pockets are sure to spark debate. Share your thoughts below: is this a case of negligence or an unfortunate oversight?
